Time Sensitive Targeting - The Operational Commander's Role
Abstract
Identifying and striking critical enemy nodes is not a new warfare concept, but current technology has brought targeting to the forefront of nearly all recent military operations. The identification and subsequent striking of high value targets is now termed Time Sensitive Targeting (TST). The emergence of another concept, Network Centric Warfare (NCW) has clear implications, both positive and negative, on the success of this mission. With ever-increasing focus on information superiority and sharing, the real time identification, location, and striking of targets has become a reality. The inherent dangers of NCW are also clearly present in TST. With the current wealth of information available to Operational Commanders, NCW has the potential to lead to micromanagement at the tactical level of war. Clearly defining the role of the Operational Commander and his functions in TST can minimize the potential danger of micromanagement and avoid the pitfalls of NCW while contributing to the success of the mission. In this paper, the draft Multi-Service Procedures for Targeting Time Sensitive Targets as well as Operations Allied Force, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom are examined to provide lessons learned and support for defining the Operational Commander's role in TST.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 09, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA422747
Entities
People
- Paul C. Spedero Jr
Organizations
- Naval War College