Air Force Doctrine Publication AFDP 3-60 Targeting November 2021

This United States Air Force USAF manual, Air Force Doctrine Publication AFDP 3-60 Targeting November 2021, provides the fundamental principles for targeting which is the process of selecting and prioritizing targets and matching the appropriate response while taking account of command objectives, operational requirements, and capabilities. This process is systematic, comprehensive, and continuous. Combined with a clear understanding of operational requirements, capabilities, and limitations, the targeting process identifies, selects, and exploits critical vulnerabilities within targeted systems to achieve the commanders’ desired end state. Targeting is a command function requiring commander oversight and involvement to ensure proper execution. It is not the exclusive province of one specialty or division, such as intelligence or operations, but blends the expertise of many disciplines.

Targeting occurs at all levels of warfare (strategic, operational, and tactical), across the competition continuum and over the full range of Air Force operations. It helps translate strategy into discrete actions by linking ends, ways, means, and risks. It allows commanders to choose the best ways to attain desired outcomes. From strategy comes the plans and guidance used to task specific capabilities through the tasking process. The processes of planning, tasking, targeting, and assessing effects provide a logical progression that forms the basis of decision-making.

Targeting is often tied only to the kinetic delivery of capabilities. However, joint force commander objectives can be accomplished through a variety of non-kinetic capabilities and actions to create lethal and nonlethal effects. All of this involves the targeting process. To optimize military action, targeting should integrate the full spectrum of capabilities including conventional and nuclear operations. This allows joint forces to continue the fight in, around, and through nuclear or radiological environments. In addition, targeting should occur well before hostilities and continue through post-hostilities.