JP 3-60, page 104

Appendix C C-6 JP 3-60 (3) Stage 3 is weaponeering and allocation. Targeting personnel quantify the expected results of lethal and nonlethal actions against prioritized targets. The JIPTL constructed during the previous phase, and approved by the JFC, provides the basis for weaponeering assessment activities. The final prioritized targets are then included in the master air attack plan (MAAP). The resulting MAAP is the plan of employment that forms the foundation of the joint ATO. (4) Stage 4 is ATO production and dissemination. After the MAAP is approved by the JFACC, detailed preparations continue by the JAOC combat plans. The joint air tasking cycle applies targeting to air-specific operations. Products include the ATO, special instructions, and the airspace control order. The airspace control authority’s and area air defense commander’s instructions must be provided in sufficient detail to allow components to plan and execute all missions tasked in the joint ATO. (5) Stage 5 is execution planning and force execution. The JFACC (or Service component commander if a JFACC is not used) directs the execution or deconfliction of all capabilities or forces made available for a given joint ATO. The JFACC has the authority to redirect those forces for which the JFACC has operational or tactical control. For all others, the affected component commander must approve all requests for redirection of direct support air assets. Affected component commanders will be notified by the JFACC upon redirection of joint sorties previously allocated in the joint ATO for support of component operations. Aircraft or other capabilities or forces not apportioned for tasking, but included in the joint ATO for coordination purposes, will be redirected only with the approval of the respective component commander. Components execute the joint ATO, as tasked, and recommend changes to the JAOC as appropriate, given emerging JFC and component requirements. (6) Stage 6 is assessment. Assessment is conducted at all levels of the joint force. The JFC should establish a dynamic system, including an assessments cell, to support assessment for all components. Normally, the joint force operations officer will be responsible for coordinating assessment, assisted by the joint force intelligence officer. The assessment cell evaluates the effectiveness of operations to achieve command objectives, answering the questions: “Are we doing things right?” and “Are we doing the right things?” 4. Special Operations Component Targeting Special operations targeting and mission planning are interrelated functions and processes; neither is accomplished in isolation of the other. The targeting process supports planning by providing commanders and planners with a methodology, direct access, and detailed information concerning targets as expressed within the commander’s objectives, guidance, and intent. Special operations targeting is accomplished in both deliberate and crisis action planning. It is founded in joint targeting principles but has many unique and SOF-specific products and processes. For additional information, see JP 3-05, Special Operations.