21st Century U.S. Military Manuals: The Targeting Process - Field Manual 3-60 - Principles and Philosophy, Dynamic Targeting (Professional Format Series‪)‬

Professionally converted for accurate flowing-text e-book format reproduction, this Army Field Manual describes the targeting process used by the United States Army. The FM 3-60 is descriptive and not prescriptive in nature. This manual has applicability in any theater of operations. The manual offers considerations for commanders and staffers in preparing for challenges with targeting, yet it is flexible enough to adapt to dynamic situation. FM 3-60 replaces FM 6-20-10, Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for the Targeting Process.

The development and research of FM 3-60 parallels similar ongoing efforts by other Army proponents to develop their own supporting branch doctrine and tactics, techniques, and procedures for the division, support brigades, brigade combat teams, and subordinate elements.

Field Manual (FM) 3-60, The Targeting Process consists of five chapters and eight appendices to describe the Army's targeting process. Each chapter and appendix addresses how the decide, detect, deliver, and assess (D3A) methodology enhances the targeting process. The D3A is a methodology which optimizes the integration and synchronization of maneuver, fire support, and intelligence from task force to corps level operations. The D3A is described without tying it to specific hardware that will eventually become dated. The Army's targeting process consists of time tested techniques organized in a systematic framework.

The FM 3-60 addresses how D3A methodology interfaces with the joint targeting cycle, military decisionmaking process (MDMP), and operations process. The joint targeting fundamental principles and doctrinal guidance are also presented in this publication.

Successful targeting requires that the leadership team and their staff possess an understanding of the functions associated with the targeting process. The FM 3-60 builds on the collective knowledge, experience gained through recent operations, and numerous exercises. The manual is rooted in time tested principles and fundamentals, while accommodating force design, new technologies, and diverse threats to national security.

The targeting process is challenging. The challenge includes locating, identifying, classifying, tracking, and attacking targets and assessing battle damage with limited assets and weapon systems, which makes this process complicated. The process becomes even more difficult with long range and fast moving targets. It is even more complex at division and higher echelons with more decisionmakers, acquisitions, surveillance assets, and weapon systems. This challenge is particularly true when joint and combined assets are included. The competition for assets is intense. Many intelligence systems are capable of situation development, target acquisition, and battle damage assessment (BDA), but may not be able to do all at the same time. Detailed guidance, thorough planning, and disciplined execution prevent unnecessary redundancy and make the most of available combat power.

Chapter 1 begins with the basics and introduction to targeting.

Chapter 2 describes the Army's targeting process in detail.

Chapter 3 addresses targeting at the corps and division level.

Chapter 4 addresses targeting at the brigade combat team and battalion level.