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PART 2

PREPARATION FOR TARGETING MEETING

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The targeting meeting is the critical event to facilitate and integrate the targeting process. The purpose of a targeting meeting is to walk through the decide, detect, deliver, assess methodology to focus and synchronize the unit's combat power and resources toward finding, attacking and assessing current high payoff targets. The meeting verifies and updates the high payoff target list; verifies, updates and retasks available collection assets for each HPT; allocates delivery systems to engage each target; and confirms the assets tasked to verify the effects on target after it has been attacked. Targeting meeting success requires: focus, participation by all BOS representatives, preparation by all participants, and the rapid developement and dissemination of required products.

The following personnel should attend the targeting meeting: the commander or executive officer, S-3, S-2, FSO and at brigade level the FSCOORD, targeting officer and direct support field artillery battalion S-2, ALO, ADA LNO, ANGLICO, ENG LNO, S-5, S-3 AIR, AVN LNO, MI CO CDR, PSYOPS, CIVIL AFFAIRS, Chemical Officer and the Staff Judge Advocate. Key to the successful conduct of the targeting meeting is that each representative come to the meeting prepared to discuss available assets and the capabilities and limitations of their particular Battlefield Operating System.

The executive officer or S-3 chairs the meeting. At Brigade level, the meeting should be tailored for operations 24-36 hours out and at battalion level 12-24 hours out, or it can be tailored for a specific event, i.e. the division recon, regimental recon, and main body. Participants must conduct detailed prior coordination, come prepared and bring several products to the meeting.

The S-3 brings any changes to the commander's intent, any changes to the task organization, requirements from higher headquarters to include recent FRAGOs and taskings, current combat power, the current situation of subordinate units, planned operations and maneuver assets available.

The S-2 prepares an overview of the current enemy situation, current situational and event templates, current high value targets with locations, the commander's priority intelligence requirements, named areas of interest and an overview of the reconnaissance and surveillance plan. Most importantly he prepares a predictive analysis of future enemy courses of action based on continuous IPB. The S-2's products must be tailored to the designated time period to be discussed at the meeting.

The Fire Support Officer provides the current high payoff target list and prepares the proposed high payoff target list for the designated period, with grid coordinates previously coordinated with the S-2. The grid coordinates must be the most current and as accurate as possible. This will require detailed and extensive analysis, consultation and coordination with the S-2 and other staff members. He brings the current target synchronization matrix and must be fully prepared to reviews what has and hasn't been accomplished. He also brings the current attack guidance matrix, and target selection standards. He prepares to brief fire support assets available including status of the Q36, close air support station time and sorties available, AC130 status if applicable, status of naval gunfire, and ammunition availability and projection normally expressed in number of volleys by type, or minutes of continuous smoke or illumination.

Based on the situation, additional staff members will need to provide the assets available and the capabilities and limitations of their assets. They must be prepared to discuss the integration of their assets into the targeting process. Additionally, they must also be able to discuss in detail the capabilities and limitations of enemy assets within their BOS. If it is impossible for a particular staff officer to attend the meeting they must provide their products and information to the primary staff officer that has supervisory responsibility for their particular area.

The following tools should be available to facilitate the conduct of the targeting meeting:

• Target Synchronization Matrix

• List of Potential Detection Assets

• List of Potential Delivery Assets

The target synchronization matrix visually illustrates the High Payoff Targets and is designed to list specific targets with locations, in each category. The matrix then provides entries to ensure each target is covered by an NAI, specific detect, deliver and assess assets for each target and attack guidance for each target. Once completed, the target synchronization matrix serves as a basis for updating the R&S plan and issuing a FRAGO at the conclusion of the meeting. In addition, it facilitates the distribution of the results of the target meeting.

A list of all potential assets available to the unit visualizes to all attendees what assets may be available for detection and deliver y purposes. It is essential that staff members are prepared to discuss the potential contribution for the particular assets within their BOS.

Table of Contents
The Targeting Process (Script), Part 1
The Targeting Process, Part 3: The Targeting Meeting