Joint Targeting

Throughout history, the process of targeting the enemy and its elements of power has been an essential component of achieving victory in warfare. The process of identifying, prioritizing and affecting targets in accordance with national goals and military objectives becomes even more critical in the complex operational environment of the 21st Century. The United States military uses the Joint Targeting Process as the critical linkage in translating desired effects into the actions that accomplish objectives and achieve victory. This monograph evaluates the effectiveness of the Joint Targeting Process in the current operational environment using research surveys. The paper examines the evolution of joint targeting methodology, the principles of targeting, the current application of joint targeting, and the emerging trends in the operational environment that affect targeting. The monograph then analyzes survey data to provide observations on the current effectiveness of systematic targeting procedures. Finally, the concluding section of the monograph offers recommendations on how to improve the education, training, and doctrine integration involving the Joint Targeting Process.