Who validates nominated targets to an approved target list under Joint Targeting?

Who validates nominated targets to an approved target list under Joint Targeting?

• A. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff decides
• B. JFC or delegated authority that validates nominated targets to an approved target list based upon objectives and criteria outlined in CDRs Guidance and ensures compliance with LOW and ROE
• C. A subordinate commander validates targets
• D. The Secretary of Defense validates all nominated targets

Answer: (B)

Validating nominated targets to an approved target list is done by the Joint Force Commander (JFC) or a delegated authority. The JFC reviews each nominated target against the campaign objectives and the criteria outlined in the Commander’s Guidance, ensuring it fits the approved target list and can be pursued within legal and policy constraints. This includes confirming compliance with the Law of Armed Conflict and Rules of Engagement, so targeting stays within authorized, ethical, and strategic boundaries. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff sets overarching policy and guidance, not the day-to-day validation of individual targets; a subordinate commander does not carry the final validation authority for the joint force, and the Secretary of Defense handles higher-level decisions rather than operational target validation.

Validating nominated targets to an approved target list is done by the Joint Force Commander (JFC) or a delegated authority. The JFC reviews each nominated target against the campaign objectives and the criteria outlined in the Commander’s Guidance, ensuring it fits the approved target list and can be pursued within legal and policy constraints. This includes confirming compliance with the Law of Armed Conflict and Rules of Engagement, so targeting stays within authorized, ethical, and strategic boundaries. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff sets overarching policy and guidance, not the day-to-day validation of individual targets; a subordinate commander does not carry the final validation authority for the joint force, and the Secretary of Defense handles higher-level decisions rather than operational target validation.