JP 3-60, page 41

The Joint Targeting Cycle II-11 the use of terrain, camouflage, emission controls, passive, and active defenses to negate friendly efforts to affect adversary activity. f. Physical characteristics are analyzed to determine the target’s susceptibility to damage, disruption, or other effect. They include such elements as weight, shape, volume, construction, and sturdiness. (5) Entity-Level Target Development. Entity-level target development builds on TSA and generally occurs in three stages: basic, intermediate, and advanced. Each stage is defined by a minimum set of essential data required to progress a target from initial identification and functional characterization to execution-level detail. A target is considered fully developed when the three stages are complete (i.e., when the target is characterized enough to be engaged effectively). (a) Once an entity has been identified as a potential target (known as a target development nomination [TDN]), an electronic target folder (ETF) should be started. ETFs are used to store entity-level target intelligence, operational, planning, and legal information. They are catalogued by an entity identification (alphanumeric string in approved national databases). Target materials (TM) may be presentations of target intelligence and are stored in ETFs. (b) TDNs are further developed and, when intermediate target development and command quality control standards are met, the entity is placed on a candidate target list (CTL). The CTL subsequently drives further target development and TLM. (6) Target List Management. TLM is the third step of the joint targeting cycle phase 2 and begins when a target is nominated for target development and ends with the creation and maintenance of a prioritized target list. TLM includes target vetting, validation, listing, nomination, and prioritization. (a) Target vetting assesses the accuracy of the supporting intelligence. This includes verifying the candidate target’s functional characterization, expectation statement, and target significance, as well as analyzing the target elements. Although an entity may have multiple functions, for effective and efficient vetting, only one description and the primary functional characterization of the entity should be presented to the intelligence community (IC); however, there is utility in listing the other functions. This description and functional characterization should be coordinated between functional, supported, supporting, and geographic combatant commands/designated authorities. Target vetting session votes are recorded in the ETF. In a dynamic targeting environment, well-organized, and inclusive target vetting sessions are critically important due to compressed timelines. (b) Once vetted, candidate targets then go through validation. Validation is a part of target development that ensures all vetted candidate targets meet the objectives and criteria outlined in the commander’s guidance and ensures compliance with the law of war and ROE. Candidate targets go through a target validation board or similar body to be validated, then are added to a JTL or restricted target list (RTL).