JP 3-60, page 11

Executive Summary ix Certain targets may require special care or caution in treatment because attacking them improperly could lead to adverse consequences. commander requires for the successful completion of the mission. An HPT is one whose loss to the enemy will significantly contribute to the success of the friendly course of action (COA). A time- sensitive target (TST) is a JFC-validated target or set of targets of such high importance to the accomplishment of the JFC’s mission and objectives, or that presents such a significant strategic or operational threat to friendly forces or allies, that the JFC dedicates intelligence collection and engagement assets, or is willing to divert assets away from other targets in order to find, fix, track, target, engage, and assess it. Component commanders may nominate targets to the JFC for consideration as TSTs. If they meet TST criteria, but are not approved as TSTs by the JFC, these component-critical targets may still require dynamic execution with cross-component coordination and assistance in a time-compressed fashion. Targeting and Joint Operation Planning Target development and selection are based on the JFC’s desired end state rather than on the available ways and means to achieve them. In other words, the focus should be on creating the desired target effects that accomplish targeting-related tasks and objectives in support of the JFCs objectives, rather than simply servicing a list of targets or basing targeting decisions on the availability of particular weapons, platforms, or systems. Joint operation planning is the mechanism by which a JFC translates national military objectives into viable plans and orders for conducting military operations. The joint targeting process occurs within this context. The Joint Targeting Cycle General Activities The joint targeting cycle supports the joint force commander’s (JFC’s) joint operation planning and execution with a comprehensive, iterative, and logical methodology for Joint targeting is an integral part of joint operation planning and continues through publication of the campaign or contingency plan, operation order, or fragmentary order. Detailed joint intelligence preparation of the operational environment and country assessments, performed by JFCs within their operational areas (OAs), set the stage for detailed targeting within the joint targeting cycle.