Joint Targeting

Appendix C
are based on the commander’s concept of the operation and targeting priorities. Detection
and tracking are executed through use of a collection plan.
(3) The deliver phase involves engaging specific targets to create effects in
accordance with the commander’s guidance.
(4) The assess phase is the estimate of damage or other effects resulting from the
use of military force, either lethal or nonlethal, against a target. Assessment requires
extensive coordination between operational and intelligence elements to be effective, timely,
and accurate. A key element of the assess function is to decide whether or not the target
requires reattack in order to achieve results specified by the commander.
d. Not all operations are targeting, and not all targeting is conducted within operations.
Fire support planning and joint operation planning, which the commander and staff use to
arrive at and to execute tactical decisions, are related. JOPP is designed to direct staff
functions to produce a coordinated plan or OPORD to accomplish the mission in accordance
with the commander’s concept of the operation, intent, and scheme of maneuver. Fire
support planning within the decision-making process includes the decide phase in the fourphase
surface targeting cycle.
See JP 5-0, Joint Operation Planning, for more details on JOPP.
3. Six-Stage Joint Air Tasking Cycle
a. For targeting in general, the JFACC uses both deliberate and dynamic targeting. To
integrate targeting into the ongoing battle rhythm, the JFACC normally uses the joint air
tasking cycle (see Figures C-1 and C-2). An example of an effective battle rhythm to
support the planning process can be seen in Figure C-3.
b. A joint air tasking cycle is used to provide for the efficient and effective employment
of the available joint air capabilities. The cycle provides an iterative process for the
planning, coordination, allocation, and tasking of joint air missions, within the JFC’s intent.
It accommodates changing tactical situations and JFC guidance, as well as requests for
support from other component commanders. A timely joint ATO is critical, as other joint
force components conduct their planning and operations based on a prompt, executable joint
ATO, and they are dependent on its information. There are usually at least five joint ATOs
at any given time: one (or more) being assessed for future action, one in execution (today’s
plan), one in production (tomorrow’s plan), one in the master air attack planning and target
development (the day after tomorrow’s plan), and one in strategy development (examining
objective and guidance for 72 hours and beyond). The joint air tasking cycle begins with the
JFC’s air apportionment process and culminates with the assessment of previous missions.
For additional details on the joint air tasking process, refer to JP 3-30, Command and
Control for Joint Air Operations.
c. The joint air tasking cycle stages are related to deliberate targeting. The approach is
similar: a systematic process that matches available capabilities with targets to achieve
operational objectives. However, they are not the same since joint targeting may be executed
C-2 JP 3-60