JP 3-60, page 42

Chapter II II-12 JP 3-60 (7) Target List Development. Various target lists may be identified for use by the JFC. It is imperative that procedures be in place for additions or deletions to the lists and that those procedures are responsive and verifiable. Commanders should be aware of the larger impact when removing targets from the target list. The removal of one seemingly isolated target may cause an entire target list to be ineffective and require a different set of targets to create the same effect. (a) Joint targeting has established the following target lists: 1. Candidate target list - A list of entities which have met intermediate target development criteria and are being vetted and validated; 2. Joint target list - A list of validated targets upon which there are no target engagement restrictions; 3. Restricted target list - A list of validated targets upon which there are target engagement restrictions; 4. Target nomination list (TNL) - A list of targets from the JTL and RTL which are nominated by an organization; 5. Joint integrated prioritized target list - A list of targets from the TNLs which are prioritized according to JFC objectives. For more information on target lists and TLM, see CJCSI 3370.01, Target Development Standards. (b) The draft JIPTL usually contains more targets than there are resources available to take action on during a given time period. Thus, a draft JIPTL cut line is usually established. This cut line should reflect which targets will most likely have action taken against them. (c) It should be clearly understood that the cut line simply reflects an estimate of resources available to take action against targets in priority order and does not guarantee that a specific target will be engaged or that additional targets may not be engaged. Other variables like TSTs, evolving JFC priorities, extreme situations, and changing resource availability will determine which targets are ultimately prosecuted. The JIPTL provides components as well as the JFC with the proper feedback on how their specific target nominations fit into creating the effects desired. 1. No-strike entities are protected from the effects of military operations under international law and/or the ROE. Attacking these may violate the laws of war (e.g., cultural and religious sites, embassies belonging to noncombatant countries, hospitals, schools) or interfere with friendly relations with other nations, indigenous populations, or governments. NSLs are not target lists, since the entities on the NSLs are not targets. NSLs are continuously updated with the latest information from the operational environment. For more information on no-strike entities and NSLs, see CJCSI 3160.01, No Strike and the Collateral Damage Estimation Methodology.