JP 3-60, page 48

Chapter II II-18 JP 3-60 operational picture (COP) are critical elements during phase 6 of the joint targeting cycle where outcomes are analyzed and future actions are determined. (3) Targeteers work closely with planners to balance the available employment options with their expected effects. The targeteers’ recommendations should reflect an objective assessment of the most appropriate capability to create the effect required to meet the commander’s objective, no matter the source. During force assignment, targeteers also provide updated target status, effectiveness analysis, and collateral damage estimates. (4) Five General Steps in Force Assignment (a) Consolidate Target Development and Capabilities Analysis Results. In this step, targeting personnel assemble the necessary data from the work done in phases 2 and 3. To make this complex data more useful to their planning counterparts, targeting personnel should prepare summary files and worksheets distilling the pertinent information collected on each potential target. Target files should contain four types of information: target development data, capabilities analysis or number of assets required, CDE, and attrition calculations. 1. Target Development Data. The process of target development produces extensive, detailed target folders and supporting products for each target on the JIPTL. While crucial for the overall joint targeting cycle, this mass of detail may very quickly overwhelm the force assignment team unless distilled down into a summary containing only the essential information needed to perform this function. To condense this material, targeteers prepare target briefs summarizing the contents of the target folder. Mandatory information includes all information necessary for the JFC to decide how the target’s engagement contributes to the JFC’s objectives. 2. Capabilities Analysis. During capabilities analysis, estimates of weapons effects and damage criteria are typically arrayed using the following factors: forces, delivery systems, weapons fuzing/reliability, and delivery parameters/arrival conditions. The results from the capabilities analysis provide multiple calculations, which estimate the physical damage resulting from planned actions against the target. Targeting personnel may also provide the projected effects of nonlethal applications on the target. The force assignment team will normally require several possible weaponeering solutions for each joint desired point of impact (JDPI) or on each target, arranged in order of effectiveness. 3. Collateral Damage Estimation. Every target where a weaponeering solution was determined should also have an estimate of the projected collateral damage resulting from each anticipated weapon type. Estimates should reflect the collateral damage projected to occur from the use of the weapons required to create the desired effects. When presented alongside weaponeering results, a CDE informs the commander’s application of the law of war principle of proportionality to assess the risk to mission and strategic risk due to collateral damage. 4. Attrition Calculations. Intelligence analysts provide data on the enemy defensive posture, capabilities, and intentions. Working with planners, weaponeers