Slide 13 of 94
Notes:
Dialogue: The decide function of the targeting process places a demand on all elements of the targeting team which ultimately impacts on the timeliness and responsiveness of (MFOM) and AFOM fires. This function provides the overall focus and sets priorities for intelligence collection and attack operations. A number of decision aids and products are designed to assist the commander and his staff in the decision making process. These products are briefed to the commander and result in operations orders with annexes. A summary of these decisions and products are:
Availability and Responsiveness of Other Weapons Systems: The MFOM and AFOM variants are all-weather day-night weapon systems that are usually more responsive against time sensitive than airborne attack assets. However, for targets of opportunity or targets with large TLEs, manned aircraft operating near the target may be more responsive and effective. ATACMS is the munition of choice for attacking targets where delivery asset survivability (e.g., manned aircraft) is a concern.
Target Selection Standards (TSS): TSS are criteria the targeting team use to isolate actual from suspected targets. The TSS consider what each attack system requires (attack system target location accuracy requirements (TLE) along with the size of the target (point or area), status of the target (moving or stationary) and the timeliness of the targeting information.
High Payoff Target List (HPTL): The HPTL prioritizes the targets, that when attacked, provide the greatest benefit for a specific phase of the battle. The HPTL is used to determine attack guidance and to refine the collection plan.
Attack Guidance Matrix (AGM): The AGM is a key product of the decide function. It condenses the staff and commander’s tactical and technical decisions into a single reference. Tactical decisions determine: the time of attack, the desired effects (destroy, neutralize, or suppress) and attack system to be used. Technical decisions include: number and type of munitions, unit to conduct the attack and response time of attacking unit.
