Targeting in Multi- Domain Operations

1 Targeting in Multi- Domain Operations Maj. Kyle David Borne, Army T he introduction of new doctrine is always met with skepticism and trepidation by entrenched bureaucracies. AirLand Battle had its critics, and the introduction of Multi- do- main Operations (MDO) is no different. This article planners from late 2017 to late 2018 garnered from four joint and coalition command-post exercises (CPXs) where MDO effects were planned. The primary focus of the CPXs was to incorporate space, cyber, and electronic warfare (EW) effects into the capitalizes on the experiences of a small cadre of scheme of maneuver.

2 (Image courtesy of Lockheed Martin). Targeting . On the surface, MDO looks just like what a corps or in time and space. As adversaries establish anti-ac- an equivalent-level staff sees during normal daily oper- cess/area denial (A2/AD) bubbles that outrange ations. However, while some of the processes are indeed conventional munitions, this formation provides similar, it is important to recognize the differences. The a joint force commander ( JFC) an organization that primary difference is MDO focuses on multi- Domain can effectively reduce those A2/AD bubbles by lever- fires synchronized in time and space to achieve compli- aging multiple warfighting domains at the same time mentary effects; whereas, cross- Domain fires do not.

3 To achieve lethal parity or overmatch, tipping the Cross- Domain fires in their simplest form are just scale in the JFC's favor. one domains affecting another. An example would be surface-to-air missiles or using a shore-based artillery Joint Targeting in piece to attack a ship. This is what most commanders Multi- Domain Operations grew up understanding. Developing an air defense In order to conduct MDO, the MDTF uses a plan for a critical asset on the ground or requesting a Targeting process very similar to the joint Targeting Navy EA-18G to provide jamming effects are actions cycle described in Joint Publication ( JP) 3-60, Joint Army staffs regularly execute and are other common The Targeting cycle for MDO is not much examples of cross- Domain fires.

4 Different than what joint doctrine currently calls for. Multi- Domain fires take cross- Domain assets and Give an Army Targeting officer a target and a desired synchronize them in time and space to create syner- effect, and nine times out of ten, he or she is going gistic effects in windows of convergence. A common to figure out how to affect that target with artillery , example is the destruction of an integrated air defense close-combat attack, or close-air support. This is gener- system (IADS). Conventional cross- Domain fires ally because Army Targeting focuses on what is within would involve an EA-18G providing standoff jamming the lethal Targeting distance of its longest-range weapon while a strike package got close enough to deliver a systems and best Targeting methodology.

5 Lethal payload. As standoff has increased with recent Traditionally, Targeting occurs in a service-centric IADS, this approach is no longer viable as IADS mis- mind frame. The Army prepares and targets the en- siles can acquire and engage friendly aircraft at greater emy's land order of battle, the Navy targets the mar- distances. A multi- Domain effect combining synchro- itime Domain , and the Air Force targets the air and nized cyberwarfare, space warfare, and EW effects can space domains. There has always been an element of reduce standoff room to achieve lethal parity for the air cross- Domain fires.

6 The Army cares about air threats package, thereby enabling destruction. because they can strike ground targets. The Navy As warfare has evolved in the modern era, keeps an eye on the air cross- Domain fires have begun to leverage the do- Domain as threats have Maj. Kyle Borne, mains of space and cyberspace. During the war on evolved to include car- Army, is the CEMA. terrorism, the increased use of the information envi- rier-based aircraft and company commander for ronment by violent extremist organizations hinged on antiship cruise missiles.

7 The Intelligence, Information, the use of satellite internet providers to move infor- The Air Force has always Cyberspace, Electronic mation over cyberspace. Joint task forces ( JTFs) and had to be concerned Warfare, and Space special organizations began to target space and cyber with land-based antiair (I2 CEWS) Battalion. He has nodes in an attempt to disrupt violent extremist orga- artillery . served as the Multi- Domain nizations' command and control as well as extremist Notwithstanding, a Task Force pilot program ideological messaging.

8 The efforts of the JTFs and major change regarding cyber electromagnetic others were conducted in isolation from each other. peer adversaries is that activities officer since The Multi- Domain Task Force (MDTF) is different they can now contest October 2017. He acts as in that it is the first formation in the Army that brings the space and cyberspace the nonlethal effects inte- all five domains under one command. domains. The services grator and chief nonlethal The novelty of the MDTF is its ability to provide must factor this into their Targeting officer as well as effects in all five warfighting domains synchronized Targeting calculations.

9 Company commander. MILITARY REVIEW May-June 2019 61. Phase 1. Taxonomy Product Commander's objectives, Targeting guidance, and intent Joint intelligence Threat preparation of the operational environment Target system (TS). Phase 2. Target development and Target Target system component system prioritization analysis (TSA). Target Phase 3. Target TSA . Capabilities analysis element TS through Electronic target target folder ETF (ETF). Component through element (Figure from Joint Publication 3-60, Joint Targeting , 28 September 2018).

10 Figure 1. Target Development Relationships Thinking Nonlethally during threat system. This level is associated with the threat . the Joint Targeting Cycle of the joint Targeting taxonomy. The MDTF needs to The Army traditionally thinks of the physical char- focus more on the lower portions of the taxonomy in acteristics of targets. A commander's attack guidance order to mitigate the lethal engagement range over- matrix might prescribe firing a certain number of match of adversary systems. Targeting the key elements battery- or battalion-level volleys of a munition to of the functional characteristics enables joint forces to achieve an effect on a target.