Multiservice Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Targeting:

The Joint Targeting Process and Procedures for Targeting Time-Critical Targets (TCTs)

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Executive Summary

Overview

Joint force commanders (JFCs) require common joint targeting procedures to deconflict targeting operations, prevent duplication of effort, and reduce the potential for fratricide throughout the fluid, dynamic battlespace. This is especially true when joint force components have areas of operations that potentially overlap, as well as mutual interests and capabilities to strike targets of common interest. The JFC or component commander may designate these targets as time-critical, priority targets. Each component has the ability to view the battlespace with a multitude of surveillance and reconnaissance assets (organic, joint, and national). However, complicating this problem is the fact that components lack common targeting references for the battlespace. Few common targeting reference systems exist which ensure all targets possess discrete reference numbers universally recognized by all joint force components. One such system is the Basic Encyclopedia (BE) number system. Although this system is normally limited to fixed targets, BE numbers can be modified for mobile targets. Some theaters have used locally produced BE numbers for tracking such targets. However, presently, there is no standardized joint procedure to do this. The National Military Target Intelligence Committee (MTIC) is currently working solutions to standardize such procedures and developing concepts for universal common target numbers (CTN). But until those concepts are approved, the JFC presently has no common joint system for mobile targets. Instead, individual component numbering systems dominate the environment and are not translatable from one component to another. Further complicating this problem is the fact that although current component systems are robust and continue to grow rapidly, they are considerably "stovepiped" and not interoperable. Currently, the components cannot rapidly share common targeting information between one another. Future systems (such as the Contingency Theater Automated Planning System {CTAPS} linked with the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System {AFATDS}) could correlate individual component target numbers and communicate them simultaneously to all components. Those future systems, combined with joint force targeting procedures, will facilitate effective and efficient use of all attack assets.

Joint doctrine addresses the need for target coordination, deconfliction, and synchronization between components. Unfortunately, it does not adequately explain "how" to rapidly conduct this coordination. Likewise, joint TTP does not specifically outline joint targeting procedures. Instead, it defines overall concepts without delineating TTP. As a result, each combatant commander has developed procedures that are theater dependent targeting processes. As an example, the procedures governing joint targeting coordination boards (JTCBs) and guidance, apportionment, and targeting cells (GATs) vary from theater to theater. While this may work for permanently assigned CINC forces, it requires non-assigned units to adapt considerably to theater specific procedures. Augmentees adapting to theater / CINC specific procedures will spend time adapting to theater unique coordination processes prior to executing time-critical missions.

Components must understand the joint targeting process to fulfill the JFC's intent and objectives. Effective coordination, deconfliction, and synchronization maximize force against the enemy while reducing the potential for fratricide. Components must have effective joint targeting procedures that ensures:

Each component must understand the perspective and target priorities of other component targeting efforts throughout the campaign. Component targets may not necessarily be joint targets, and therefore coordination requirements may seem minimal. However, there may be situations where component organic weapons may be easily available, yet not the most capable. In such cases, coordination with other components may allow more efficient destruction of the target through the synchronized use of other available assets. In almost every situation, if component attacks affect the operations of another component, coordination, synchronization, and deconfliction must occur. The only exception would be those rare instances identified by the JFC where overriding concerns (such as theater ballistic missiles {TBMs} equipped with weapons of mass destruction) warrant bypassing normal coordination to affect immediate response. The JFC should make such exceptions only after balancing the threat with the potential for fratricide.

This publication first explains the fundamentals of the joint targeting process and intelligence support to that process. Then, it addresses the coordination, deconfliction, and synchronization of attacks against surface time-critical targets. The connection is that the joint targeting process and its intelligence support serve as the foundation for the surface TCT targeting procedures described herein.

The Joint Targeting Process

Joint targeting fundamentals are the functions, steps, and actions accomplished when conducting joint targeting operations. Joint targeting fundamentals include the definition of a target, the explanation of what joint targeting is as a whole, and the description of the joint targeting process. Joint Publication 1-02 succinctly describes a target as a geographical area, complex, or installation planned for capture or destruction by military forces. However, targets also include the wide array of mobile and stationary forces, equipment, capabilities, and functions that an enemy commander can use to conduct operations. Joint targeting is selecting targets and matching the appropriate response to them to meet a specified objective. The joint targeting process has six basic phases / functions: COMMANDER'S OBJECTIVES AND GUIDANCE, TARGET DEVELOPMENT, WEAPONEERING ASSESSMENT, FORCE APPLICATION PLANNING, EXECUTION PLANNING/FORCE EXECUTION, and COMBAT ASSESSMENT. Although commonly referred to as a "cycle," the joint targeting process is really a continuous process of overlapping functions independent of a particular sequence. Joint targeting significantly affects the theater campaign as the JFC must synchronize targeting efforts throughout the joint force to ensure the effective accomplishment of theater campaign objectives. Further complicating this is the fact that targeting occurs at all levels within a joint force by all forces capable of attacking targets. It must therefore be deconflicted, coordinated, and prioritized among components to ensure success.

Organizing for the joint targeting process is extremely dependent on the situation. JFCs may establish and task an organization within their staffs to accomplish broad targeting oversight functions or may delegate this responsibility to a subordinate commander. The JFC may assign certain responsibilities associated with targeting to agencies on the staff. In addition, the JFC may appoint a JTCB. The JFC defines the role of the JTCB. JTCB responsibilities and authority are defined by JFC directives and should ensure fulfillment of JFC objectives and intent with respect to targeting. Most importantly, the JFC should direct measures to coordinate joint targeting efforts among components. Regardless of how the JFC establishes procedures for joint targeting operations, the procedures must follow the basic principles of the joint targeting process and be flexible enough to respond to rapidly changing situations in the fast tempo of modern warfare.

Surface Time-Critical Targets (TCTs)

A surface TCT is a lucrative, fleeting, land or sea target of such high priority to friendly forces that the JFC or component commander designates it as requiring immediate response. Surface TCTs require such immediate response because they pose, or will pose, a significant threat capable of inflicting casualties on friendly forces and civilians. Surface TCTs, left unserviced, could significantly delay achievement of the JFC's theater objectives. Surface TCTs are often characterized as lucrative, fleeting targets. Surface TCTs can either be planned or immediate, requiring rapid response by the joint force. Targets of opportunity (TOOs) are similar to surface TCTs (that is, lucrative or fleeting) but they may or may not have been designated a high priority by the JFC or component commander. For example, an exposed, moving enemy command vehicle, spotted by a passing friendly aircraft, could be defined as a target of opportunity. Although the opportunity to attack it is fleeting, it is not technically a surface TCT unless the JFC or component commander has designated enemy command vehicles as high priority targets. The distinction is a small, but important one. The key is JFC / component commander designation as a priority. Otherwise, the joint force could not distinguish between TOOs and surface TCTs.

Procedures and techniques assist the joint force in the conduct of warfare, especially in regard to surface TCTs. Procedures dealing with surface TCTs include JFC guidance, joint battlespace control and coordination measures, "grid box" and "bullseye" techniques, and weapon specific procedures. Additionally, the JFC must structure command and control as well as interconnect battle management systems to ensure optimum conditions for successful operations against surface TCTs.

Summary

The primary goal of joint targeting is to provide the most efficient use of joint force assets and capitalize on their synergistic effects. Eliminating duplication of effort and fratricide is an important part of that efficiency. Likewise, eliminating the fog of war is critical to meeting the fratricide challenge while increasing a joint force's operational tempo. The JFC must ensure effective and efficient attacks against high priority surface TCTs, as well as exercise due caution to avoid fratricide and duplication of effort. Regardless of the threat, a joint force must be able to rapidly execute lethal and non-lethal attacks against surface TCTs using the synergistic power that components contribute; all the while considering that when components work together, they each have responsibilities (functional and / or area) that may intersect. Each must depend on and leverage the capabilities of the others to be decisive in battle. Application of these capabilities is enhanced through clear, concise joint targeting procedures allowing the JFC and components to rapidly coordinate information, deconflict operations, and synchronize attacks. Common target numbers, reference systems, and common pictures of the battlespace are developing technologies that will support joint targeting procedures in the future. This multiservice TTP offers a procedural fix until those capabilities fully evolve.