JP 3-60, page 63

The Joint Targeting Cycle II-33 C2 arrangements should include the rapid identification and communication capabilities required for expedited decision making. Overall responsibility for mission execution remains with the components in order to accomplish coordination and deconfliction. The C2 node that has the best information or SA to execute the mission and direct communications (e.g., hotlines, radio net) to the operators and crews of the chosen engagement systems should have the authority to plan and engage the TST. Placing the appropriate level of authority at subordinate C2 nodes can streamline the C2 process and facilitate timely engagement. Decentralized C2 nodes can exchange sensor, status, and target information with a fidelity that permits them to operate as a single, integrated C2 entity. Tied together by wide area networks and common interactive displays, they can effectively perform decentralized and coordinated execution of TST engagement. Coordination and deconfliction of multinational forces may lead to additional challenges and should be addressed during planning through liaison officers and/or representatives of the respective nations. (2) Compressed Decision Cycle. Successful engagement of TSTs may require a very compressed decision cycle, even when compared with prosecution of non-TSTs via dynamic targeting. To compress the decision cycle successfully, the joint force and component staffs must be thoroughly familiar with the details of each step of the joint targeting cycle and with the specific nodes or cells in the joint force and components responsible for each portion of the process. Conducting detailed prior planning and coordination between joint forces, a thorough JIPOE, employment of interoperable communications systems, and clear guidance on what constitutes a TST saves valuable time. Undefined, ambiguous TSTs can redirect assets away from executing the JFC’s overall plan. Mission planning and execution activities must take place simultaneously or on a compressed time line. d. Engaging TSTs. TSTs are engaged using either deliberate or dynamic targeting. Since TSTs are time-sensitive, and often fleeting, or emerging, they tend to be engaged via dynamic targeting, but guidance, validation, relative prioritization, assessment criteria, collection requirements, and many other aspects of developing TSTs can be accomplished during pre-operation planning and/or as part of deliberate targeting. 5. The Relationship Between Targeting and Effects a. From the targeting perspective, an effect is a change in the physical or behavioral state of a target system, a target system component, a target, or a target element that results from an action, a set of actions, or another effect. A desired effect can be thought of as a condition that can support achieving an associated objective, while an undesired effect is a condition that can inhibit progress toward an objective. b. The joint force can create effects across the levels of war. Strategic and operational effects focus on larger aspects of various systems, while tactical-level effects typically are associated with results of offensive, defensive, and stability operations tactical actions, often involving weapons employment. Many of the ways and means associated with targeting result in tactical-level effects relative to the selected targets. However, the cumulative results of these target engagements can contribute to the JFC’s desired operational-level and theater-