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PART 3

THE TARGETING MEETING

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The Executive Officer should open the targeting meeting by conducting a roll call, detailing its purpose, the agenda and specifying the time period or event being discussed in the meeting.

The S-2 provides an intelligence update. First, he briefs the current enemy situation. Next the S-2 reviews the current collection, and reconnaissance and surveillance plans. Third, the S-2 provides a battle damage assessment of targets previously engaged since the last targeting meeting and the impact on the enemy course of action. Next he provides an analysis of the enemy's most probable courses of actions and locations for the next 24-36 hours using the event template and a list of high value targets. Finally, the S-2 briefs changes to the PIR for review by the battle staff.

The second briefer is the S-3. First, he briefs any particular guidance from the commander and changes to his intent. Second, he briefs any requirements from higher headquarters since the last targeting meeting and a review of current operations. Finally he informs the battle staff of the status of assets available for the targeting process.

The third briefer is the FSCOORD or FSO. He reviews the current target synchronization matrix, providing a summary of results of actions taken. Next he provides the new target synchronization matrix with the proposed list of HPTs and locations for the battle staffs' concurrence and refinement.(Show Target Synchronization Matrix) Once any changes to the HPT have been made and any locations updated or refined, the XO or S-3 facilitates a crosswalk to complete the rest of the matrix by identifying a detector, determining an attack means and assigning an asset to assess each HPT.

The first step is to determine and prioritize collection assets responsible for detecting, confirming or denying the location of each suspected target. This information should then be entered into the detect portion of the Target Synchronization Matrix. Be specific, state what unit or asset must detect, or confirm or deny the location of each specific target. Clear and concise taskings must be given to the acquisition assets. Mobile HPTs must be detected and tracked to maintain current target location. Assets should be placed in the best position according to estimates of when and where the enemy targets will be located. Consider assigning an NAI to the target and enter the number on the Target Synchronization Matrix.

The second step is to determine which delivery means will be used to attack each target once detected or confirmed by using the list of delivery assets available. Enter this information into the Deliver portion of the Target Synchronization Matrix. Consider redundant means to attack each target. When determining an attack asset for each target, the attack guidance is also determined and entered. Determine for each delivery means when to attack the target (immediately, as acquired, or planned) and the effects to be achieved on the target. Effects of fire can be to destroy, neutralize, suppress or harass the target.

• Destroy - physically renders the target permanently combat ineffective or so damaged that it cannot function unless restored, reconstituted, or rebuilt.

• Neutralize- renders the target ineffective or unusable for a temporary period.

• Suppress - degrades a weapon system's performance below the level needed to fulfill its mission. Lasts only as long as fires continue.

• Harass- designed to disturb the rest of enemy troops, curtail movement, and lower enemy morale.

The final step is to determine and prioritize which assets will assess whether desired effects were achieved on targets after they are attacked. Enter this information into the Assess portion of the Target Synchronization Matrix.

During this portion of the meeting, it is essential that each member of the battle staff and each BOS representative provides their expertise and knowledge of friendly and enemy systems capabilities and limitations. (Show footage on crosswalking through a target). Consideration should be given to providing redundant means to detect, deliver and assess targets. At the conclusion of the crosswalk, the target synchronization matrix should be complete. The XO should keep the focus of the discussion to within the possibilities of friendly unit operations and should be the final arbitrator when filling out the target synchronization matrix.

Table of Contents
The Targeting Process, Part 2: Preparation for Targeting Meeting
The Targeting Process, Part 4: Products of the Targeting Process