text: The Targeting Process
  Note. For further information on these products see Appendix D.
  Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield
  2-9. IPB helps the commander to selectively apply and maximize combat power at critical points in time
  and space. IPB helps the commander and staff visualize the operating environment, how the natural
  environment affects friendly units and likely enemy COAs.
  2-10. IPB is a continuous staff planning activity undertaken by the entire staff. Intelligence preparation of
  the battlefield is the systematic process of analyzing the mission variables of enemy, terrain, weather, and
  civil considerations in an area of interest to determine their effect on operations (ATP 2-01.3). Although the
  G-2/S-2 leads the IPB, various staff sections contribute to it. IPB, sets the context for operational planning
  and targeting. The process is flexible and well suited to account for lethal and nonlethal considerations (across
  the physical, information, and human dimensions) during operations. IPB:
  * Describes the totality of the OE that may impact friendly, threat, and neutral forces at that echelon.
  * Accounts for all relevant domains and dimensions of the OE that may impact friendly and threat
  operations.
  * Identifies possible defeat mechanisms and relative advantages that friendly forces might be able
  to create and exploit.
  2-11. Initial IPB, which occurs during mission analysis, is important as a means to focus the staff on various
  aspects of the OE specific to that unit, mission, time, and place, as well as a means to create products that are
  important to subsequent planning and targeting. As planning progresses, beyond mission analysis, IPB
  products are refined to support planning and targeting. Some of the more important products include the
  modified combined obstacles overlay, threat models (with generic HVTs), situation templates, event
  template, event matrix, and draft HVT list. See Appendix B and ATP 2-01.3 for more information.
  High-Payoff Target List
  2-12. The high-payoff target list is a prioritized list of high-payoff targets by phase of the operation. The
  HPTL is a key element commander’s guidance and communicates priority to the staff. Other considerations
  include the following:
  * The sequence or order of appearance of the system, function, or capability being targeted.
  * The ability to detect, identify, classify, and track the target. (This decision must include sensor
  availability and processing timeline considerations).
  * The degree of accuracy available from the acquisition system(s).
  * The ability to engage the target.
  * The ability to create the desired effects based on attack guidance.
  2-13. Targets are prioritized according to the considerations above within specific time windows. The
  targeting working group recommends priorities for the targets according to its judgment and the advice of
  the targeting officer and the FAIO. Target list worksheets give a recommended priority and engagement
  sequence. If the target list worksheet or war gaming departs from the commander's guidance, it is noted on
  the proposed HPTL to inform the commander of the conflict. The target category of the HPT is shown, either
  by name or by number, on the list. The category name and number are shown on the target list worksheet.
  The number of target priorities should not be excessive. Too many priorities will dilute the intelligence
  collection acquisition and engagement efforts. The approved list is shared with the targeting team and staff.
  It is used as a planning tool to determine attack guidance and to refine the collection plan. This list may also
  indicate the commander's operational need for BDA of a specific target and the time window for collecting
  and reporting it.
  Note. Any format for prioritizing HPTs serves the purpose of a HPTL for linking targets with
  phases of battle.