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FM 6-20-10: Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for The Targeting Process

APPENDIX C

EXAMPLE FORMATS AND TARGET REPORT

The targeting products developed during the targeting process are actually tools. They are used by the commander, the targeting team, and supporting and supported units. The products allow them to control and synchronize targeting in an effective and efficient way. There are no prescribed formats which must be used. Each unit will develop tools that work best for them. Factors to consider in developing formats are as follows--

• Type and level of the command.
• Operating environment.
• Assets available.
• Missions.
• SOPs.

These formats are not yet integrated into supporting C⁴I systems such as tactical fire direction system (TACFIRE), AFATDS, Warrior, and ASAS. The need for automation support is apparent and emerging. C⁴I systems will be asked to incorporate similar targeting formats.

HIGH-PAYOFF TARGET LIST

The modified HPTL below is the basic format described in Chapter 2.

TARGET SELECTION STANDARDS

Target selection standards (see the format below) are comprised of the essential elements listed below:

• HPT. This refers to the designated HPTs which the collection manager is tasked to acquire.
• TIMELINESS. Valid targets are reported to attack systems within the designated timeliness criteria.
• ACCURACY. Valid targets must be reported to the attack system meeting the required TLE criteria. The criteria is the least restrictive TLE considering the capabilities of available attack systems.

ATTACK GUIDANCE MATRIX

The AGM provides guidance on what HPTs should be attacked and when and how they should be attacked. The AGM consists of the following elements:

• HPTL. The HPTL is a prioritized list of HPTs by phase of the operation.
• WHEN. The WHEN column indicates the time the target should be engaged. (See the legend below the example.)
• HOW. This column indicates the attack system that will engage the target.
• EFFECT. The desired effects on the target or target system are stated in this column.
• REMARKS. Remarks concerning whether or not BDA is required, whether coordination must take place, and so forth are indicated in this column.

SENSOR/ATTACK MATRIX

The sensor/attack matrix is a tool used to determine if organic sensors and attack systems can acquire and attack the HVTs for each critical event or phase of the battle.

THE HIGH-PAYOFF TARGET LIST AND
ATTACK GUIDANCE MATRIX

In the examples below, there are two different formats for HPTLs and associated AGMs. These examples are simpler than those in Chapter 2 and combine the formats. This allows the targeting team to specify HPTs in priority order with as much detail as desired. It also allows the team to immediately specify the when, how, and restrictions information for attack of the HPTs. The HPTL and AGM will likely change as the battle progresses from one phase or critical event to another. Therefore, a separate HPTL and AGM can be prepared for each phase of the battle.

COMBINED HIGH-PAYOFF TARGET LIST-TARGET SELECTION STANDARDS-ATTACK GUIDANCE MATRIX

The doctrinal version of the AGM can be modified to make it more useful and practical. The format below combines all three formats discussed in Chapter 2 into one format. The modified HPTL-TSS-AGM is focused on exclusively attacking HPTs. It can be completed in minutes and can be formatted in the MCS to allow for immediate transmission to all who need it.

The CATEGORY column on the AGM is too generic to be useful. In the combined version, specific HPTs (according to phase, echelon, and so forth) are listed across the top. This sends a clear message that only HPTs will be attacked. If we accept the premise that the destruction of HPTs will defeat the enemy (for example, preclude successful completion of his mission), then we must concentrate our limited resources only on HPTs.

Down the left side, the attack systems available to the division and crops are listed. This allows for quick reference to determine which assets are available.

The WHEN column on the old AGM is also unnecessary if we shoot only HPTs. The distinction between the terms as acquired and immediate becomes blurred to the point that they are indiscernible.

The HOW column loses most of its utility because the terms suppress and neutralize are too subjective for combined arms commanders and FSCOORDS. As previously stated, if we are focused solely on HPTs, the destruction of those HPTs is what will result in the defeat of the enemy.

In the modified version of the matrix each block contains the TSS, numbered 1 through 4, for the following information

• (1) Required TLE. (For example, 100 m, 250 m.)
• (2) Required target size. (For example, battery, battalion.)
• (3) Activity of the target. (For example, moving or stationary.)
• (4) Time of acquisition. (For example, how old can the spotting be? 30 minutes? 1 hour?)

When these criteria are met, the applicable attack system(s) is notified to engage the target. In the case of targets that qualify for attack by more than one system, attack systems are prioritize. The priority is listed in the upper right comer of the matrix block. (In the completed HPTL-TSS-AGM below, reinforcing artillery is the second priority for attacking the FA units listed as HPT number 1.)

The REMARKS column along both axis allows for the discussion of restrictions, constraints, or restraints involving HPTs or attack systems. (For example, ATACMs may only be used on semifixed or soft fixed targets.)

The phase of the operation and an effective DTG are included to eliminate confusion over which version is current.

TARGET SELECTION STANDARDS WORKSHEET

The form below incorporates TSS into a document which can be used to track and confirm or deny targets generated by each sensor source. The column headings are described below:

• HPT. This column is used to list HPTs.
• SOURCE. This column is used to list the particular sensor agent.
• TARGET LOCATION. This column is used to record the target by grid location.
• (ACCURACY) TLE. This column lists the reliability of the sensor, normally stated in meters.
• TIME OF TARGET. This column is used to record the DTG the sensor acquired the target.
• TIME LIMIT. This column is used to tell the staff how old the acquisition can be and still be attacked.
• (VALIDITY) CONFIRMED. In this column, any confirmation by a second source is recorded by using YES or NO. Confirmation by another sensor may not be necessary depending on the sensor.
• CLEARANCE CLEARED. This column is used to record who or what agency cleared the target for attack. This is especially critical where the potential for fratricide exists.

TARGETING SYNCHRONIZATION MATRIX

The targeting synchronization matrix (TSM) has been successfully used to synchronize targeting by assigning responsibilities to detect, deliver, and assess attacks on specific HPTs. The HPTs are listed in priority by category under the DECIDE column. Units and agencies are listed under the DETECT, DELIVER, and ASSESS columns across from the specific HPTs for which they are responsible. As responsibilities are fixed, the asset envisioned to be used is also indicated. This provides the targeting team a check to ensure all assets are used and that assets or agencies are not overtaxed. This form could also be prepared for a specific event or for each phase of the battle.

DELIVERY STANDARDS MATRIX

The delivery standards matrix (DSM) provides criteria for the attack of HPTs in each phase of the battle. It also facilitates objective decision-making for attacking targets at the lowest level possible. Key personnel, such as the FAIO, FSE target analyst, and div arty FDO, all refer to the matrix. When HPTs are identified they are automatically engaged if they meet the criteria established by the matrix. The matrix provides instructions for each HPT for each phase of the battle concerning the following:

• TLE.
• Size of the target.
• Target activity.
• Time of acquisition.

TARGET REPORT

When targeting information is passed from one agency to another, all essential information must be included to allow for proper analysis and attack. The format below will give the targeting team enough information to properly formulate the best attack response.

AIR TASKING ORDERS

The ATO is a means of implementing combat air support. It tasks assigned and attached units to accomplish specific missions and provides enough detail to let aircrews execute the missions. The ATO must be published soon enough to let the Air Force plan their aircraft, aircrew, support, and mission requirements. The effective period of the ATO is normally 24 hours. Planning for the ATO is a continuous cycle. Below are a key and an abbreviated example of what an ATO looks like. Complete instructions on how to construct and read an ATO are found in Air Force Pamphlet (AFP) 102-2 Vol 1, Joint Users Handbook. The ATO is in USMTF message format.