AFDP 3-60, page 7

Air Force Doctrine Publication 3-60, Targeting 4 ENTITY TYPES An entity performs a function for the adversary or enemy. Its location, purpose, or use can contribute to an adversary’s overall warfighting or war-sustaining capability. During the targeting process, entities are analyzed by intelligence and considered for development into targets. Entities are typically grouped into one of five types (FIVE-O).10 Facilities. A physical structure, group of structures, or area that performs one or more functions contributing to an adversary’s capability. These measurable geophysical parameters define the real property boundary and ensure no target duplication or boundary conflicts break unique identification. Individuals. A person (or persons) who provides one or more critical functions that contribute to an overall adversary capability. This type of entity should be reserved for personnel who perform unique functions rather than serve as an individual part of a larger group. Virtual. Typically, a nontangible entity within cyberspace that enables equipment to function is a virtual element. This could include a collection of programs, files, websites, or personas that represent a physical unit, person, location, or event. Equipment. An object is made up of any number of devices and components, integrated and codependent, upon which engagement of one component results in an effect upon the whole. For instance, mass-produced equipment (tanks, aircraft, trucks) are entities associated with a larger system to which they contribute. Organizations. A group or unit that provides a function contributing to an adversary’s capability. Elements could include facilities, individuals, equipment, and virtual entities; however, this target type is delineated by the overall function the organization provides. TARGET CHARACTERISTICS A characteristic is any distinctive, intrinsic, or acquired feature that forms the basis of target development. Characteristics are used to describe an object, to provide context, and to support analysis by identifying similar or related data. In general, targets are defined by five characteristics: physical, functional, cognitive control and information, environmental, and temporal.11 Physical. These are features discernible to one or more of the five senses or through sensor-derived signature, which describe a target’s physical nature. They may significantly affect the types and numbers of weapons and the methods employed against the target. Functional. These are features that describe what the target does and how it does it. They describe the target’s function within the system, how the target or system operates, the target’s level of activity, the status of its functionality, and its importance to the enemy. 10 For additional information on entity types, see Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Instruction (CJCSI) 3370.01, Target Development Standards. 11 See JP 3-60, Joint Targeting, for additional information.