The tactical target acquisition process involves a structured approach to identifying and selecting objectives for engagement in military operations.
It generally includes five key stages: detection, where potential targets are identified using various sensors and intelligence sources; Identification, where targets are positively identified and classified based on their characteristics and threat level; Location, where the precise coordinates of targets are determined using geographic information systems (GIS) or other positioning technologies; designation, where targets are marked or designated for attack by friendly forces, often using laser designers or similar systems; and engagement, where selected targets are engaged or neutralized using appropriate weapons or systems.
The five pillars of targeting form the fundamental principles guiding the targeting process in military operations.
These pillars are found, which involves locating and identifying potential targets through reconnaissance and intelligence gathering; Fix, which focuses on precisely locating and tracking targets to ensure precise engagement; Track, which involves monitoring and maintaining continuous surveillance of targets to assess their movements and behaviors; Target, when targets are selected based on their importance and relevance to the mission objectives; and engage, when selected targets are engaged or neutralized using appropriate weapons or systems to achieve operational objectives efficiently and effectively.
Tactical target acquisition refers to the process of identifying, locating, and selecting targets for engagement in tactical military operations.
It involves the systematic use of sensors, intelligence and reconnaissance assets to detect, classify and determine the positions of potential threats or objectives on the battlefield. Tactical target acquisition plays a crucial role in providing commanders with situational awareness and enabling effective decision-making on the employment of firepower and assets against enemy targets while minimizing collateral damage and achieving mission success.
The six-step targeting process is a structured approach used in military planning and operations to effectively identify, prioritize targets.
Steps typically include guidance targeting, where targeting objectives and priorities are established based on mission objectives and operational requirements; Target development, where intelligence and reconnaissance assets are used to gather information and assess potential targets; Target nomination, when specific targets are selected and nominated for engagement based on their threat level and strategic importance; Target validation, when the accuracy and relevance of selected targets are verified by additional intelligence and operational planning; Decision and force assignment, when decisions are made regarding the allocation of resources and forces necessary to effectively engage designated objectives; and execution and evaluation, where targets are engaged, and results are evaluated to assess mission success and inform future operations.
The targeting process in military operations involves a systematic approach to identify, analyze, prioritize and engage targets to achieve mission objectives.
It encompasses a series of steps that include intelligence gathering, target selection, planning and execution. The process begins with battlefield intelligence preparation (BIP), where information about the operational environment, including enemy capabilities and terrain characteristics, is collected and analyzed. Next, target development involves identifying potential targets based on their relevance to mission objectives and operational priorities. Target nomination follows, where specific targets are selected and prioritized for engagement.
Subsequently, attack advice is issued, detailing the desired effects and constraints for engaging targets. Finally, the targeting process concludes with evaluation, where the results of target engagements are evaluated to determine the effectiveness of operations and inform adjustments to future targeting efforts