JP 3-60, page 22

Chapter I I-4 JP 3-60 (10) Target physical vulnerabilities (identification of potential aimpoints above ground, natural ventilation, exposure of critical infrastructure, dependence on above ground functions/facilities, etc.). c. Cognitive Characteristics. These characteristics describe how targets process information or exercise control functions. In those cases where the entity is an individual, cognitive characteristics are focused on describing that person’s reasoning patterns or how that person’s decision making is influenced. Cognitive characteristics are particularly important to properly assess the critical nodes in a target system, since nearly every target system possesses some central controlling function. Neutralizing those controlling functions may be crucial to bringing about desired changes in behavior. As with functional characteristics, cognitive characteristics can be difficult to identify. Cognitive characteristics may relate to: (1) How the target processes information. (2) How the target’s decision cycle works (if applicable). (3) Process inputs the target requires to perform its function(s). (4) Process outputs resulting from target functions. (5) How much information the target can handle. (6) How the target or system stores information. (7) If the target is an individual or organization: (a) How does the target think? (b) What are its motivations? (c) What behavior does the target exhibit? (d) What are the target’s rules, norms, and beliefs? (e) What are its cognitive vulnerabilities? (8) Cultural considerations (perceptions, attitudes, religious factions, tribal affiliations). d. Environmental Characteristics. These characteristics describe the effect of the environment on the target. These characteristics may also affect the methods used to affect or observe them. (1) Atmospheric conditions affecting the target (temperature and visibility, etc.). (2) Terrain features (land form, vegetation, soil, and elevation, etc.).