JP 3-60, Joint Targeting - Just Security

Executive SummaryCertain targets may requirespecial care or caution intreatment because attacking themimproperly could lead to adverseconsequences.Targeting and Joint OperationPlanningcommander requires for the successful completionof the mission. An HPT is one whose loss to theenemy will significantly contribute to the success ofthe friendly course of action (COA). A timesensitive target (TST) is a JFC-validated target orset of targets of such high importance to theaccomplishment of the JFC’s mission andobjectives, or that presents such a significantstrategic or operational threat to friendly forces orallies, that the JFC dedicates intelligence collectionand engagement assets, or is willing to divert assetsaway from other targets in order to find, fix, track,target, engage, and assess it. Componentcommanders may nominate targets to the JFC forconsideration as TSTs. If they meet TST criteria,but are not approved as TSTs by the JFC, thesecomponent-critical targets may still requiredynamic execution with cross-componentcoordination and assistance in a time-compressedfashion.Target development and selection are based on theJFC’s desired end state rather than on the availableways and means to achieve them. In other words,the focus should be on creating the desired targeteffects that accomplish targeting-related tasks andobjectives in support of the JFCs objectives, ratherthan simply servicing a list of targets or basingtargeting decisions on the availability of particularweapons, platforms, or systems. Joint operationplanning is the mechanism by which a JFCtranslates national military objectives into viableplans and orders for conducting military operations.The joint targeting process occurs within thiscontext.The Joint Targeting CycleGeneral ActivitiesThe joint targeting cycle supportsthe joint force commander’s(JFC’s) joint operation planningand execution with acomprehensive, iterative, andlogical methodology forJoint targeting is an integral part of joint operationplanning and continues through publication of thecampaign or contingency plan, operation order, orfragmentary order. Detailed joint intelligencepreparation of the operational environment andcountry assessments, performed by JFCs withintheir operational areas (OAs), set the stage fordetailed targeting within the joint targeting cycle.ix

Executive Summaryemploying the ways and means tocreate desired effects that supportachievement of objectives.Once actions are taken against targets, thecommander and staff assess the effectiveness of theactions. If there is no evidence that the desiredeffects were created, reengagement of the targetmay be necessary, or another method selected tocreate the desired effects.Categories of TargetingThe targeting process can be generally groupedinto two categories: deliberate and dynamic.Deliberate targeting normally supports the jointforce’s future plans effort, which is overseen by theplans directorate of a joint staff (J-5). (Normally,the future operations directorate focuses on 24hours out to 72 hours. This is a critical linkageduring targeting execution.)Dynamic targeting is normally employed incurrent operations planning because the nature andtime frame associated with current operations(usually the current 24-hour period) typicallyrequires more immediate responsiveness than isachieved in deliberate targeting.Categories of TargetsTargets may be described as two differentcategories: planned targets and targets ofopportunity. Each has two separate subcategories:Planned targets are known to exist in theoperational environment with engagement actionsscheduled against them. Planned targets may befurther divided into scheduled targets and on-calltargets. Scheduled targets are prosecuted at aspecific time. On-call targets have actions planned,but not for a specific delivery time.Targets of opportunity refer to targets that meetthe criteria to achieve objectives but were notselected for action during the current joint targetingcycle. Targets of opportunity can be divided intotwo subgroups: unplanned targets and unanticipatedtargets. Unplanned targets are known targets andare included on a target list, but not selected forengagement because the target was not nominated,was nominated but did not make the joint integratedprioritized target list (JIPTL), or was not expectedxJP 3-60

Executive Summaryto be available for engagement within the targetcycle. However, changes to the target status(priority, access, permissions) could result in theneed (or opportunity) to engage the target duringthe current cycle. Unanticipated targets areunknown or not expected to be present in theoperational environment. These targets are notincluded on a target list and an evaluation of thetarget is needed to determine engagementrequirements and timing.The Joint Targeting CycleThe joint targeting cycle is a six phase iterativeprocess: end state and commander’s objectives,target development and prioritization, capabilitiesanalysis, commander’s decision and forceassignment, mission planning and force execution,and assessment.Joint Targeting Cycle Phase 1—The End State and Commander’sObjectivesUnderstanding the military end state and thecommander’s intent, centers of gravity, objectives,desired effects, and required tasks developed duringoperational planning provides the initial impetus forthe targeting process. Understanding the JFC’sguidance, CONOPS, and intent is the mostimportant and first activity of joint targetingbecause they document the set of outcomes relevantto the present situation and set the course for all thatfollows. Objectives are the basis for developing thedesired effects and scope of target development,and are coordinated among strategists, planners, andintelligence analysts for approval by thecommander.Joint Targeting Cycle Phase 2—Target Development andPrioritizationTarget development is the analysis, assessment, anddocumentation processes to identify andcharacterize potential targets that, whensuccessfully engaged, support the achievement ofthe commander’s objectives. Phase 2 is comprisedof three steps: target system analysis; entity-leveltarget development; and target list management.Joint Targeting Cycle Phase 3—Capabilities AnalysisThis phase of the joint targeting cycle involvesevaluating all available capabilities against targets’critical elements to determine the appropriateoptions available to the commander for targetengagement while highlighting the best possiblexi

Executive Summarysolution under given circumstances. Capabilitiesanalysis is comprised of four steps: targetvulnerability analysis, capabilities assignment,feasibility assessment, and effects estimate.Joint Targeting Cycle Phase 4—Commander’s Decision andForce AssignmentThe force assignment process integrates previousphases of joint targeting and fuses capabilitiesanalysis with available forces, sensors, and weaponssystems. The process of resourcing JIPTL targetswith available forces or systems and intelligence,surveillance, and reconnaissance assets lies at theheart of force assignment. This process linkstheoretical planning to actual operations. Once theJFC has approved the JIPTL, either entirely or inpart, tasking orders are prepared and released to theexecuting components and forces. Thecommander’s decision in phase 4 is to eitherapprove the draft JIPTL, approve targets to beadded to or removed from the JIPTL, or approves aparticular way or ways of engaging a particulartarget or targets.Joint Targeting Cycle Phase 5—Mission Planning and ForceExecutionUpon receipt of tasking orders, detailed planningmust be performed for the execution of operations.During execution, the operational environmentchanges as a result of actions from the joint force,adversary, and other actors. The joint targetingprocess monitors these changes in order to allowcommanders to decisively use joint forcecapabilities to seize and maintain the initiative.Joint Targeting Cycle Phase 6—Targeting AssessmentThe targeting assessment phase is a continuousprocess that assesses the effectiveness of theactivities that occurred during the first five phasesof the joint targeting cycle. The targetingassessment process helps the commander and staffdetermine if the ends, ways, and means of jointtargeting have resulted in progress towardaccomplishing a task, creating an effect, orachieving an objective.Time-Sensitive Target (TST)ConsiderationsThe JFC’s objectives and guidance shape the basicprocedural framework for components to expediteengagement of TSTs. Additionally, the JFCestablishes guidance on procedures forcoordination, deconfliction, and synchronizationxiiJP 3-60

Executive SummaryGenerally, TSTs are engagedusing dynamic targeting, so thecommand and controlarrangements should include therapid identification andcommunication capabilitiesrequired for expedited decisionmaking.among components. Once this guidance is issued,the components establish planned and reactiveprocedures for engaging the prioritized TSTs. Acritical aspect of successful TST engagement is tounderstand the level of risk acceptable to the JFC.Items to be considered in the risk assessmentinclude risk to civilians, friendly forces, andnoncombatants; possible collateral damage; and thedisruption incurred by diverting assets from theirdeliberately planned missions.The Relationship BetweenTargeting and EffectsFrom the targeting perspective, an effect is a changein the physical or behavioral state of a targetsystem, a target system component, a target, or atarget element that results from an action, a set ofactions, or another effect. A desired effect can bethought of as a condition that can support achievingan associated objective, while an undesired effect isa condition that can inhibit progress toward anobjectiveIt is important that desired andundesired effects be clearlycommunicated as far down asnecessary to ensure these effectsare created or avoidedrespectively.Joint Force Targeting Duties and ResponsibilitiesJoint Targeting Integration andOversightThe JFC’s primary targeting responsibility lies inestablishing the objectives that componentcommanders will achieve throughout theoperational environment with their forces (assigned,attached, and supporting). With the advice ofsubordinate component commanders, JFCs setpriorities, provide clear targeting guidance, anddetermine the weight of effort to be provided tovarious operations. Throughout the targetingprocess, JFC and component commanders shouldestablish safeguards to reduce the possibility offriendly fire. Joint standards and methods forestimating collateral damage potential providemitigation techniques and assist commanders withweighing collateral risk against military necessityand assessing proportionality within the frameworkof the military decision-making process.Joint Force TargetingResponsibilitiesThe JFC has the responsibility to conduct planning,coordination, and deconfliction associated withjoint targeting. Joint targeting coordinationresponsibilities for the JFC include:xiii

Executive Summary Establish parameters for successful targetingwithin the JFC’s OA by promulgating intent,objectives, guidance, sequencing, and priorities. Direct the formation, composition, and specificresponsibilities of a joint fires element (JFE)and joint targeting coordination board (JTCB)(if required). Approve or delegate approval of the JIPTLdeveloped from component and staffnominations.Joint Targeting CoordinationBoardTargeting coordination tasks are normallyaccomplished through the JFC established JTCB orlike body. The JFC normally appoints the deputyJFC or a component commander to chair the JTCBto provide the appropriate level of experience andfocus. When a JTCB is not established and the JFCdecides not to delegate targeting oversight authorityto a deputy or subordinate commander, the JFC mayperform this task at the joint force headquarters,with the assistance of the operations directorate of ajoint staff (J-3). The JFC ensures that this is a jointeffort involving applicable subordinate commands,other agencies, and multinational partners, asappropriate. The JTCB normally facilitates andcoordinates joint force targeting activities with thecomponents’ schemes of maneuver to ensure thatthe JFC’s priorities are met.Joint Fires ElementThe JFC may approve the formation of a JFE withinthe J-3. The JFE is an integrating staff element thatsynchronizes and coordinates fires planning andcoordination on behalf of the JFC and should bephysically located near the joint task force jointoperations center, colocated with the informationoperations cell if possible.Joint Targeting Working GroupThe joint targeting working group (JTWG) supportsthe JTCB by conducting initial collection,consolidation, and prioritization of targets andsynchronization of target planning and coordinationon behalf of the JFC. The JTWG is an action officerlevel venue, chaired by the JFE chief, operationsxivJP 3-60

Executive Summarydirectorate of a joint staff (J-2) (chief of targets), orsimilar representative, and meets as required toconsolidate and prioritize the draft JIPTL anddiscuss targeting integration and synchronizationissues raised by the JFC, staff, planning teams, andthe JFC’s major subordinate commands.Joint Force Staff ResponsibilitiesIntelligence Directorate. The J-2 has the primaryresponsibility for prioritization of intelligencecollection efforts, analysis, validation, andassessment for all joint operations. In addition, theJ-2 provides a major input to the J-3 and J-5 in theform of adversary COA assessments critical to thejoint target prioritization process and identificationof HVTs and HPTs.Operations Directorate. The J-3 assists thecommander in the direction and control ofoperations, including the planning, monitoring, andcompletion of specific operations. In this capacity,the directorate is the lead for coordinating,integrating, and executing operations throughout theOA.Staff Judge Advocate (SJA). The SJA advises theJFC and other staff members on applicableinternational and domestic laws, legal custom andpractice, multilateral and bilateral agreements withhost nations, law of war issues, compliance andinterpretation of the ROE, and other pertinent issuesinvolved in joint target recommendations anddecisions.Component CommanderResponsibilitiesWith regard to joint targeting, the components’responsibilities normally include the following: Conduct target development. Nominate potential targets for inclusion in thejoint target list and restricted target list. Nominate targets for inclusion on the JFC’sTST list and maintain their own lists of HPTs. Provide timely and accurate reporting to theJFE in support of joint operations assessment.xv

Executive Summary Federated Targeting SupportThe Joint Staff intelligencedirectorate of a joint staffnormally ensures that federatedtargeting support requirementsare addressed in contingencyplans and orders and will assistin the dissemination of targetingsupport-related informationbetween the federated partnersand the supported JFC.Coordinate components’ deliberate anddynamic targeting via established procedures.A federated target development and assessmentprocess can provide reachback support to the JFCand component commanders during the jointtargeting cycle. Under a collaborative federatedarchitecture, the supported JFC works inconjunction with the National Joint Operations andIntelligence Center and the Joint Staff J-2 using theintelligence planning process to establish federatedtargeting support partners and assessment reportingresponsibilities between combatant commands inaccordance with the supported combatantcommander’s requirements. Many organizationsprovide critical support to joint targeting.Federation establishes partnerships and leveragesappropriate expertise, allowing access to moreactionable information than would otherwise beavailable to JFCs and their staffs. It also providesfor an efficient division of labor and maximizesresources. Federation provides commandsconducting operations access to organizations andindividuals that are experts in their respectiveanalytic areas.CONCLUSIONThis publication provides doctrine for the planning,coordination, and execution of joint t

Jan 31, 2013 · iii SUMMARY OF CHANGES REVISION OF JOINT PUBLICATION 3-60 DATED 13 APRIL 2007 Reorganizes discussion of targets, target ing, the joint target cycle, and targeting duties and responsibilities for readability. Moves discussions on following from appendices into Chapters I, “Understanding Targets and Targeting,” through Chapter III, “Joint ForceFile Size: 856KB