Table Of ContentUSAF INTELLIGENCE TARGETING GUIDE AIR FORCE PAMPHLET 14- 210 Intelligence 1 FEBRUARY 1998
USAF INTELLIGENCE TARGETING GUIDE
Chapter 1 — TARGETING AND THE TARGET
AIR
Chapter 2 — INFORMATION AND
FORCE
INTELLIGENCE
PAMPHLET
Chapter 3 — THE TARGETING PROCESS
14- 210
Chapter 4 — OBJECTIVES AND GUIDANCE
Intelligence
DERIVATION
1
Chapter 5 — TARGET DEVELOPMENT
FEBRUARY
Chapter 6 — WEAPONEERING
1998
Chapter 7 — FORCE APPLICATION
Chapter 8 — EXECUTION PLANNING
Chapter 9 — COMBAT ASSESSMENT
Chapter 10 — TARGETING FUNCTIONS AT THE
COMBAT UNIT LEVEL
Chapter 11 — TARGETING IN THE
INFORMATION AGE
Chapter 12 — TARGET MATERIALS
Chapter 13 — THE TARGET LOCATION
Attachment 1 — GLOSSARY OF REFERENCES, ABBREVIATIONS, ACRONYMS, AND TERMS
Attachment 2 — THE EVOLUTIONOF TARGETING
Attachment 3 — SOURCES OF INTELLIGENCE
Attachment 4 — TARGETING AND INTERNATIONAL LAW
Attachment 5 — TARGET ANALYSIS
Attachment 6 — NONNUCLEAR AND NUCLEAR DAMAGE MECHANISMS
Attachment 7 — COLLATERAL DAMAGE
Attachment 8 — GEOSPATIAL INFORMATION AND PRODUCTS
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TARGETING AND THE TARGET
USAF INTELLIGENCE TARGETING GUIDE
AIR FORCE PAMPHLET 14- 210 Intelligence
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BY ORDER OF THE
SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE
AIR FORCE PAMPHLET 14- 210
1 FEBRUARY 1998
Intelligence
USAF INTELLIGENCE TARGETING GUIDE
OPR: HQ 497IG/ INOT (Mr Larry Ekberg) Certified by: HQ USAF/ XOI
(Maj Gen John P. Casciano)
Supersedes AFP 200- 17, 23 June 1989 and AFP
200- 18 Volumes I and II, 1 October
1990
Pages: 189
Distribution: F
This pamphlet explains the principles and concepts of targeting. The data included pertains to tactical,
operational, and strategic levels of operations. It begins with a discussion of a target and target systems,
then describes the information and intelligence required for targeting, the scope and functions of target-
ing, analytical techniques, battlefield targeting, and legal aspects of targeting. This pamphlet was pre-
pared by the Targeting Division, HQ 497 Intelligence Group, Air Intelligence Agency. To improve
future editions of this publication, users are encouraged to submit comments, suggestions, and pertinent
material for additions, changes, and deletions. Forward AF Form 847, Recommendation for Change of
Publica-tion, to: HQ 497IG/ INOT, 5113 Leesburg Pike, Suite 600, Falls Church VA 22041- 3230. The
use of names of any specific commercial product, commodity, or service in this publication does not
imply endorsement by the Air Force.
SUMMARY OF REVISIONS
This pamphlet is a revision to AFP 200- 17, AFP 200- 18 Volumes I and II, and updates target
intelligence concepts. Time tested target intelligence techniques and procedures have been
reincorporated, updated information on doctrinal issues in the intelligence and operations arena has been
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TARGETING AND THE TARGET
included, migration automated systems are described where they pertain to targeting, existing chapters
were reordered, and two sections added; a chapter on targeting and information warfare and an
attachment on the evolution of targeting.
NOTICE: This publication is available digitally on the SAF/ AAD WWW site at: http://afpubs.hq.af.
mil .
If you lack access, contact your Publishing Distribution Office (PDO).
USAF INTELLIGENCE TARGETING GUIDE
AIR FORCE PAMPHLET 14- 210 Intelligence
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TARGETING AND THE TARGET
USAF INTELLIGENCE TARGETING GUIDE
AIR FORCE PAMPHLET 14- 210 Intelligence
[Back] [Index] [Next] 1 FEBRUARY 1998
Chapter 1
TARGETING AND THE TARGET
Section 1A„ Foreword
1.1. Foreword
1.1.1. Air Force targeteers are experienced intel...
1.1.2. This pamphlet is based on concepts in the ...
Section 1B„ Preface
1.2. Preface.
1.2.1. This pamphlet presents three types of info...
1.2.2. This pamphlet is the result of work by man...
Section 1C„ Fundamentals of Targeting
1.3. Overview
1.4. Targeting
1.5. The Targeting Process.
Figure 1.1. Targeting--The Intersection of Operat...
1.5.1. The targeting process is an analytical, sy...
Figure 1.2. The Targeting Process.
1.5.2. Although the Targeting Process shows the p...
1.5.3. Targeting Process Phases.
1.5.3.1. Objectives and Guidance Derivation
1.5.3.2. Target Development.
1.5.3.3. Weaponeering Assessment.
1.5.3.4. Force Application.
1.5.3.5. Execution Planning.
1.5.3.6. Combat Assessment.
1.6. Strike or Attack Mission Cycle Functions and...
1.6.1. Targeting plays a key role in the commande...
1.6.2. Within the attack mission cycle, there are...
Figure 1.3. Attack or Mission Cycle Functions. Th...
1.6.3. The attack cycle works on four assumptions...
1.6.4. While the point of understanding the cycle...
1.6.5. Relatively short cycles must be accommodat...
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TARGETING AND THE TARGET
1.7. The Target.
1.7.1. Relationship to the Objective.
1.7.2. Target Types.
1.7.3. Fixed Target Identification Data.
1.7.3.1. Basic Encyclopedia (BE) Numbers (BEN).
1.7.3.1.1. Standard BE numbers.
1.7.3.1.2. Non-DIA Produced BE Numbers.
1.7.3.1.3. Electronic BE Numbers.
1.7.3.1.4. Fictitious BE Numbers.
1.7.3.2. Functional Classification Codes.
1.7.3.2.1. The first digit gives the function in ...
1.7.3.3. Installation Names.
1.7.3.4. Installation Coordinates.
1.7.3.5. Geopolitical codes.
1.7.3.6. Installation Reference Numbers And Targe...
1.7.4. Target Characteristics.
1.7.4.1. Inherent Characteristics.
1.7.4.2. Acquired Characteristics
1.7.4.3. Functional Characteristics
1.7.4.3.1. Level of activity is an important func...
1.7.4.4. Physical Characteristics
1.7.4.5. Mobility Characteristics
1.7.4.6. Environmental Characteristics
Table 1.1. Target Characteristics.
1.8. The Target System Concept.
1.8.1. Target System Characteristics.
1.8.2. Target System Components
1.8.3. Target System Activity
1.8.4. Target System Elements
Page 6 7 6
Chapter 1
TARGETING AND THE TARGET
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Section 1A— Foreword 1.1. Foreword . Targeting continues to be a core Air Force Intelligence
discipline. Air Force targeting is in evolutionary transition to support Global Engagement and the Core
Competencies of Information Superiority and Precision Engagement. This means we can no longer think
of targeting as just the bridge between operations and intelligence, but instead visualize full
interoperability between Information Oper-ators and Combat (flight) Operators. Targeting continues to
be the process of recommending to a com-mander the targets that support the commander's objectives
and the best weapons, which can include lethal and non lethal means, to achieve a desired level of
damage and effects to those targets. Although often confused with just weaponeering (one of its
functions), targeting looks across a range of military capabilities. NOTE: Due to the present transition in
Air Force Doctrine, especially in terminology, the terms Operations (Ops) and Intelligence have been
used to eliminate any confusion.
1.1.1. Air Force targeteers are experienced intelligence personnel trained in the specifics of targeting and
knowledgeable about operations. Targeting professionals do not produce intelligence, but instead apply
intelligence. In the same vein, they do not direct operations, but provide expertise to the staff to
nominate and suggest targeting options for planning and implementation.
1. 1. 2. This pamphlet is based on concepts in the application of airpower, from an intelligence and
operational point of view. In many cases there is no one "best" way to perform targeting. Often the
particular process used to arrive at a solution is not as important as the solution itself. Targeting includes
more than operations and intelligence-- it includes the whole spectrum of military techniques that are
used to make the enemy perform our will. It is not a newly discovered concept, but a synthesis of
thinking and airpower application over the decades. Attachment2includes a summary of that his-tory..
Section 1B— Preface 1.2. Preface. This pamphlet is intended to be an aid to targeteers from the combat
unit to the force man-agement level. It is designed to be the primary source of basic information on Air
Force targeting. It describes the principles and some of the techniques of targeting. It is, however,
intended to be the USAF's "how- to" manual for targeting.
1.2.1. This pamphlet presents three types of information: basic concepts and definitions, fundamen-tal
procedures and techniques, and reference information. Use of this pamphlet may not be in thor-ough
cover- to- cover reading, but in a review, dependent on your experience. The first two chapters are an
introduction to targeting and intelligence in general. The first chapter is "must reading" for everyone.
The second chapter could be used by experienced intelligence personnel as a refresher. The pamphlet
then progresses to more complicated concepts and techniques. Major topics addressed include the
targeting process; combat unit level functions; target value analysis and assignment of pri-orities;
analysis, both quantitative and qualitative; target materials and target location; special target-ing
problems, such as information warfare; and international law as applied to targeting. 6
6 Page 7 8 7
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1.2. 2. This pamphlet is the result of work by many people and is an evolutionary product of much
effort, past and present. Since it is a "how- to" document we have included some "Foot Stompers" that
are intended to illustrate real experiences distilled to short narratives. Such illustrative narratives may
not always represent current official policy or views. The project has drawn from many sources for
examples of quantitative analysis. With their targeting expertise, continuity, and their long- term view,
Air Force Reserve personnel have made outstanding contributions to this pamphlet. Future revisions of
this document will depend on similar support by all targeting personnel.
Section 1C— Fundamentals of Targeting 1.3. Overview . This chapter outlines some fundamentals of
targeting and the target intelligence process. It also examines the strike or attack mission cycle, with
emphasis on targeting activities. It examines tar-gets as independent entities and as components of target
systems. It discusses target system characteris-tics and describes the scope and position of the targeting
function at the crossroads of intelligence and operations (figure 1.1).
1.4. Targeting . Targeting recommends the best means to attain a goal. It integrates intelligence infor-
mation about the threat, the target system, and target characteristics with operations data on friendly
force posture, capabilities, weapons effects, objectives, rules of engagement, and doctrine. Targeting
matches objectives and guidance with inputs from intelligence and operations to identify the forces
necessary to achieve the objectives. It spans not only nuclear, conventional, chemical, and non lethal
force applica-tion, but can also include information warfare, space, and special operations in joint and
combined opera-tions. From this integration, targeting makes recommendations for the use of aerospace
forces. Joint Pub (JP) 1- 02, DoD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms, defines targeting as "( 1)
The process of selecting targets and matching the appropriate response to them, taking account of
operational require-ments and capabilities; (2) The analysis of enemy situations relative to the
commander's mission, objec-tives, and capabilities at the commander's disposal, to identify and
nominate specific vulnerabilities that, if exploited, will accomplish the commander's purpose through
delaying, disrupting, disabling, or destroying enemy forces or resources critical to the enemy." The
exploitation of information, although not mentioned in the joint definition, is also of great importance.
1.5. The Targeting Process. The Air Force targeting function cuts across traditional functional and
organizational boundaries. Operations and intelligence are the primary active participants, but other
functional areas such as logistics and communications also support the targeting process. Close coordina-
tion, cooperation, and communication among the participants are essential for the best use of resources. 7
7 Page 8 9 8
Figure 1.1. Targeting-- The Intersection of Operations and Intelligence.
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TARGETING AND THE TARGET
1. 5.1. The targeting process is an analytical, systematic approach that focuses targeting efforts on
supporting operational planning and facilitates force employment. A model has been constructed that
centers around six phases considered the framework for the targeting process (figure 1.2). This chap-ter
will briefly describe each step in this theoretical construct; later chapters will describe the specifics
involved in each step. The six steps of the targeting process are:
Objectives and guidance derivation
l
Target development
l
Weaponeering
l
Force application
l
Execution planning
l
Combat assessment 8
l
8 Page 9 10 9
Figure 1.2. The Targeting Process.
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1. 5.2. Although the Targeting Process shows the phases to be sequential, in reality, the process is bi-
directional and iterative. Additionally, targeteers often perform several of the phases simulta-neously.
Successful accomplishment of the targeting process requires diverse informational inputs. These inputs
include intelligence on the enemy's defensive and offensive posture, capabilities, and intentions;
intelligence on enemy targets and target system characteristics; friendly force posture and capabilities;
concepts of operations; mission objectives; rules of engagement; and time and perishabil-ity constraints.
In general, there are four end products of this process:
Target nomination lists
l
Weapon and weapon system recommendations
l
Supporting target materials
l
Assessment criteria for evaluating the operation
l
1.5.3. Targeting Process Phases. 1.5.3.1. Objectives and Guidance Derivation . Objectives and guidance
are the foundation of the targeting process. In this phase, the objectives and guidance are developed and
disseminated to the targeteer. Objectives are developed at the national, theater, and component levels.
Guid-ance is generally provided at the National and war fighting CINC- level. Both objectives and guid-
ance must be quantifiable and unambiguous in order to be effective.
1.5.3.2. Target Development. This is the examination of potential target systems and their com-ponents
to determine change to system criticality and vulnerability to attack. This phase distills the commander's
objectives into lists of targets. The product of this phase is a suggested target list with recommended
priorities assigned and extent of desired damage.
1.5.3.3. Weaponeering Assessment. In this part of the process, planners assess the types and quantity of
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weapons estimated to achieve a desired level of damage to the individual targets. The product of this
phase is a list of recommended weapons and aircraft for each target and a validated list of weapon
impact points for each target. Weaponeering takes into account target vulnerabili- 9
9 Page 10 11 10
ties, weapons effects and reliability, delivery accuracy, delivery conditions, as well as damage cri-teria.
1.5.3.4. Force Application. The force application phase uses the information generated in the target
development and weaponeering assessment phases to determine the best force necessary to meet
operational objectives. At this point, the decision maker is provided with fused intelligence on the target
and weapon systems recommendations. It is here that operations and intelligence merge their planning
efforts to meet the CINC's guidance.
1.5.3.5. Execution Planning. Execution planning prepares input for and supports the actual task-ing,
construction, and subsequent execution by weapon systems. Input includes data concerning the target,
weaponeering calculations, employment parameters, and tactics. The operational com-mand is
responsible for monitoring the ATO/ ITO, making any changes necessary and providing support to the
units. Under Air Force doctrine of centralized control, decentralized execution, unit commanders are
given the freedom and flexibility to execute the plan, as they see fit.
1.5.3.6. Combat Assessment. After mission execution, the quality of the whole process is assessed.
Improvements in force employment, munitions design and situation assessments emerge from this
appraisal of post- strike data. The results of this effort affect future combat oper-ations and can change
theater objectives. The product of this phase is tailored to the decision mak-ers.
1.6. Strike or Attack Mission Cycle Functions and Targeting. 1.6.1. Targeting plays a key role in the
commander's decision to employ attack forces; this decision making process in the operations
community is frequently referred to as the attack mission cycle or the strike/ attack cycle. JP 1- 02
defines mission cycle "as it pertains to targeting, is a decision making process used by commanders to
employ forces." This cycle is similar to the targeting process and is sometimes confused with the
targeting or ATO cycle.
1.6.2. Within the attack mission cycle, there are six general steps: detection, location, identification,
decision, execution, and assessment (figure 1.3). For the initial attack, the outer cycle (detection,
location, identification, decision, and execution) is used. After the initial attack, both cycles run at the
same time and interact through analysis at the decision step. 10
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