JP 3-60, page 28
Joint Targeting
Joint Publication: Joint Targeting
31 January 2013 public edition
Searchable page text (OCR / PDF)
Chapter I
I-10
JP 3-60
For more information, refer to Army Tactical Publication (ATP) 3-60.1/Marine Corps
Reference Publication (MCRP) 3-16D/Navy Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (NTTP) 3-
60.1/Air Force Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (Instruction) (AFTTP[I]) 3-2.3, Multi-
Service Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Dynamic Targeting.
7. The Joint Targeting Cycle
The joint targeting cycle supports the JFC’s joint operation planning and execution with
a comprehensive, iterative, and logical methodology for employing the ways and means to
create desired effects that support achievement of objectives.
8. Targeting and Joint Operation Planning
a. Integrating and synchronizing planning, execution, and assessment is pivotal to the
success of joint operations. Understanding the objectives, intentions, capabilities, and
limitations of all actors within the operational environment enables the use of joint,
interagency, and multinational means to accomplish tasks, create effects, and achieve
objectives. 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.
Commanders and their staffs integrate lethal and nonlethal target engagements into the joint
targeting cycle.
b. Joint operation planning is the mechanism by which a JFC translates national military
objectives into viable plans and orders for conducting military operations. The JFC issues
initial targeting guidance early in the planning effort. The joint targeting process occurs
within this context.
c. Detailed JIPOE, country assessments, and target system analysis (TSA) set the stage
for detailed target development.
For more information on JIPOE, see Joint Publication (JP) 2-01.3, Joint Intelligence
Preparation of the Operational Environment.
d. Through the CONOPS the JFC provides fires and targeting guidance, operational
objectives, desired effects, tasks, and targeting/fires priorities. The CONOPS provides more
detail on what and where fires effects are desired by phase (e.g., deny, disrupt, delay,
suppress, neutralize, destroy, corrupt, usurp, or influence). In addition, the JFC provides
guidance on munitions usage and restrictions, restricted targets, and a no-strike list (NSL).
e. The operation plan (OPLAN), or operation order (OPORD), provides broad
guidelines for prioritizing targets, making clear which sets or systems are most important to
the operation. The OPLAN or OPORD should also provide guidance on the sequencing of
targeting actions or effects, which is not the same thing as priority. Although creating
parallel effects is generally best, some targets must be attacked sequentially to enable effects
against other targets.