AFDP 3-60, page 4

Air Force Doctrine Publication 3-60, Targeting 1 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO TARGETING Targeting is the process of selecting and prioritizing targets, and matching the appropriate response to them, considering operational requirements and capabilities.1 While targeting integrates all joint military capabilities to achieve the objectives of the joint force commander (JFC), the process is heavily shaped by the air component. The unique speed, range, flexibility, and precision of airpower make it a primary tool for creating desired effects against a wide array of targets, thus influencing how targets are developed, prioritized, and engaged. This process is not the exclusive province of one specialty or division, such as intelligence or operations, but blends the expertise of many disciplines to leverage the decisive capabilities the air component brings to the joint force. The targeting process unfolds as a continuous, analytic, and integrative cycle that occurs at the intersection of intelligence, planning, and operations. The targeting process is not a standalone activity but is deeply integrated with and dependent upon these other processes. Targeting relies on intelligence for the detailed information necessary for target development, vetting, and assessment. In turn, targeting receives direction from the planning process, which provides commander’s objectives, guidance, and desired effects. Outputs of the targeting process feed operations by providing the necessary inputs for mission planning and execution of the air tasking cycle. Subsequently, the execution of air operations provides feedback into the intelligence and targeting processes through assessment, allowing for continuous refinement of the overall effort. This complex and continuous interplay of intelligence, planning, operations, and targeting contributes to the success of the air component and the joint force. FUNDAMENTALS OF TARGETING The purpose of the targeting process is to create desired effects in the operational environment (OE) to support the achievement of commanders’ objectives by prioritizing, integrating, synchronizing, and applying fires and other capabilities.2 To accomplish this purpose, the air component relies on several fundamentals. It adheres to the established principles of targeting, applies them across the entire competition continuum, integrates capabilities and effects in all domains, operates with global integration, and conducts all actions in accordance with the rule of law. PRINCIPLES OF TARGETING Five fundamental principles guide the air component’s targeting process. The first principle, objectives-based targeting, dictates that the entire process focuses on achieving the JFC’s objectives and that all targets nominated for engagement should contribute in a discernible way to attaining the JFC’s desired end state. Effects-based targeting emphasizes that effects are created or generated to achieve objectives. Effects are primarily labeled as lethal or nonlethal, but can also be classified as desired or undesired, intended or unintended, direct or indirect, cumulative, and cascading.3 This 1 For the definition of “targeting,” see Joint Publication (JP) 3-0, Joint Campaigns and Operations. 2 For additional information on the joint targeting process, see JP 3-60, Joint Targeting. 3 For additional information on effects, see AFDP 5-0, Planning, and JP 3-60, Joint Targeting.