JP 3-60, page 26

Chapter I I-8 JP 3-60 d. Systematic. The joint targeting cycle is designed to create effects in a systematic manner. It is a rational and iterative process that methodically analyzes, prioritizes, and assigns assets against targets systematically. If the desired effects are not created, targets should be reconsidered for the targeting process. 6. Prioritization and Special Considerations a. JFC Guidance. Planning and execution of all joint and component targeting should be in accordance with the priorities established by the JFC. The JFC’s guidance should describe the objectives to be achieved and the relative priority of each. b. Certain targets may require special care or caution in treatment because attacking them improperly could lead to adverse consequences. Examples include leadership targets that should be handled with sensitivity due to potential political and/or diplomatic repercussions; targets located in areas with a high risk of collateral damage; and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) facilities, where an attack could lead to increased collateral damage. The use of nonlethal capabilities in support of such operations may reduce the potential for unintended consequences that are detrimental to the JFC’s strategic goals. (1) Sensitive targets refer to those targets for which planned actions warrant President or the Secretary of Defense (SecDef) review and approval. Criteria normally are delineated in plans, orders, and/or ROE by combatant commanders (CCDRs). Sensitive targets exceed national-level thresholds such as high collateral damage or collateral effect (e.g., versus civilian population, property, infrastructure, facilities); adverse political or diplomatic ramifications (e.g., near the territory of surrounding states); environmental harm/hazard (water contamination, chemical/biological/radiological/nuclear plume hazards); or adverse public sentiment (local or international). See Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Instruction (CJCSI) 3122.06, Sensitive Target Approval and Review (STAR) Process (classified publication), for more information on sensitive targets. (2) All potential targets and all targets nominated for engagement continually change in importance due to the dynamic nature of the evolving operational environment. When the importance of a target rises to such a level that it poses (or soon will pose) a danger to friendly forces, or it presents a highly lucrative, fleeting opportunity of tactical advantage, the JFC may validate it as requiring immediate engagement. Such “time- sensitive” targets may be fully anticipated and planned in advance during the target development phase in the joint targeting cycle for engagement by assigned forces. However, if their nature precludes detailed advanced mission and execution planning in phase 5 (e.g., a mobile ballistic missile threat), they may be pre-validated during the target development phase of the joint targeting process (with appropriate advance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance [ISR] tasking) and once detected they may be prosecuted using the find, fix, track, target, engage, and assess (F2T2EA) during dynamic targeting in phase 5. “Time- sensitive” targets should not be confused with “sensitive” targets. A target may be both “time-sensitive” due to posing an immediate threat and “sensitive” depending on engagement option. An example of both is a ballistic missile threat planned for engagement with a collateral damage estimate that exceeds the cut-off value per the ROE.