JP 3-60, page 98
Joint Targeting
Joint Publication: Joint Targeting
31 January 2013 public edition
Searchable page text (OCR / PDF)
Appendix B
B-4
JP 3-60
nomination, through development and execution, and then back to the targeteers, becomes
even more critical in these instances.
(6) Combat Assessment (CA). At the tactical and operational levels, assessment
cells develop a task list assigning specific targets or target sets to federated assessment
partners. Assessment analysts responsible for specific target sets will draft assessment
reports. All operational reports are imported and parsed electronically to populate prescribed
assessment report formats. When the assessment reports are approved by the supported
command, they are disseminated via machine-readable message format or free text reports.
Machine readable dissemination enables the automatic update of databases. Changes in
databases may then be reflected dynamically in the ETFs and various operating pictures.
Updates and changes in the automated databases enable the next phases of the joint targeting
cycle.
3. Implications for Targeting Automation
a. Authoritative, national target intelligence data is stored in MIDB. In addition, the
entire joint targeting enterprise should seamlessly share well-understood, standardized
representations of target intelligence and data and not rely on local databases. Using national
databases as a foundation, targeteers also rely on automation tools and processes to facilitate
rapid exchange of target intelligence and data among various echelons and organizations.
Automation assists in transforming targeting information into a variety of forms to support
warfighters, building cases for target engagement, or collecting information on observed
damage. To provide value, targeting automation tools and processes must be responsive to
multiple organizations and aggressive timelines, as well as provide accurate and consistently
repeatable presentations of data.
b. In summary, automation is a critical enabler allowing targeteers to be more accurate
and efficient in all phases of the joint targeting process with reliable target intelligence, but
automation is not a replacement for human thinking or proactive communications. Stand-
alone systems create a break in the flow of intelligence or targeting data and sub-optimize the
enterprise and waste resources. Ideally, targeting automation should facilitate real-time,
virtual, collaborative, and multilayered security analysis and planning. The key components
to targeting automation are common target data standards and data interoperability.
These components, in turn, enhance information sharing while providing for the
worldwide replication of targeting information between all users, to include multinational
partners.