JP 3-60, page 23

Understanding Targets and Targeting I-5 (3) Denial and deception measures. (4) Physical relationships (such as proximity to civilians, noncombatants, or friendly forces, etc.). (5) Dependencies (raw materials, personnel, energy, water, and command/control, etc.). e. Temporal Characteristics. Time, as a characteristic of a target, describes the target’s vulnerability to detection, attack, or other engagement in relation to the time available. All potential targets and all targets nominated for attack continually change in priority due to the dynamic nature of the evolving operational environment. Many targets may be fleeting and some may be critical to friendly operations. Those that are both fleeting and critical present one of the biggest targeting challenges faced by the joint force. This characteristic can help determine when and how to find or engage a target. By comparing this characteristic to information latency and knowledge of friendly capabilities, the staff can make better recommendations to the commander regarding possible actions. Factors contributing to this include: (1) Time of Appearance. The expected time the target will appear in the designated operational area (OA). (2) Dwell Time. The length of time a target is expected to remain in one location (this can be directly related to the physical characteristic of target mobility). Generally, a target is more difficult to find or engage on the move. (3) Time to Target Functionality. The length of time required for the target to become operational, to conduct its mission, or to repair or reconstitute. (4) Identifiable Time. The length of time a target is identifiable as a threat before it then becomes indistinguishable from other objects in the operational environment. SECTION B. TARGETING 4. The Purpose of Joint Targeting a. Targeting systematically analyzes and prioritizes targets and matches appropriate lethal and nonlethal actions to those targets to create specific desired effects that achieve the JFC’s objectives, accounting for operational requirements, capabilities, and the results of previous assessments. The emphasis of targeting is on identifying resources (targets) the enemy can least afford to lose or that provide him with the greatest advantage (high-value target [HVT]), then further identifying the subset of those targets which must be acquired and engaged to achieve friendly success (high-payoff target [HPT]). Targeting links the desired effects to actions and tasks. This contributes to creating the effects necessary to achieve the JFC’s objectives.