Detect
Notes:
Dialogue: The detect function occurs during the execution of the Operations Order (OPORD). The collection effort focuses on the commander’s Priority Information Requirements (PIRs) developed in the decide function. Collection managers prioritize PIRs and optimize collection results by planning collection assets for each PIR. Staff planners must take into account the TLE capabilities of sensors. Sensors whose TLE is greater than required for MFOM and AFOM targeting may be used to cue other sensors to refine the TLE. The staff requires information on targets concerning target size, description, location accuracy and degree of protection.
Many targets have critical elements that may be more vulnerable to sensor acquisition and attack by the MFOM and AFOM. For example, air defense sites may have target acquisition radars, command and control vehicles, fire control radars, resupply vehicles and surface-to-air-missile (SAM) launchers. Whenever possible the critical element of any target should be identified in order to achieve maximum effectiveness. Engagement of large area targets without targeting the critical element(s) may yield less effective results.