What process prioritizes targets and determines appropriate fires for mission-planning?

The process that prioritizes targets and determines appropriate fires for mission planning is known as targeting. Targeting involves the identification and selection of targets to support military objectives, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively to engage those targets. This process is critical in combat operations as it allows for the alignment of fire support with the overall mission strategy, helping commanders make informed decisions about where and how to best apply firepower.

In the context of military operations, the targeting process includes several stages, such as target detection, evaluation, prioritization, and the assignment of suitable assets to engage those targets. By systematically analyzing the battlefield and determining the best approach to neutralizing enemy forces or achieving operational goals, targeting becomes a key component in successful mission planning.

Other processes, such as the Military Decision-Making Process (MDMP) and Course of Action (COA) Development, play important roles in military operations, but they encompass a broader range of actions and considerations beyond just the assessment of specific targets and assignment of fire support. While planning is essential to the overall framework of operations, targeting is the specialized process specifically focused on identifying and engaging those targets effectively.