Targeting Cycle

Definition

The process of finding, tracking, analyzing, and striking a target—a systematic way to turn 'someone bad is over there' into 'no more someone bad.'

Example Usage

The targeting cycle identified the bunker, confirmed its military use, and coordinated the strike.

Origin

Military operations planning terminology

Fun Fact

The targeting cycle can take minutes for tactical targets or weeks for strategic ones.

Source: U.S. Joint Publication 3-60 on Targeting

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