text: Fire Support and the Operations Process
  Figure 3-2. D3A Crosswalk and joint targeting process
  3-33. The joint air tasking cycle begins with the JFC's objectives, incorporates guidance received during JFC
  and component coordination, and culminates with assessment of previous actions. The ATO (see figure 3-3
  on page 3-12) articulates the tasking for joint air operations for a specific execution timeframe, normally 24
  hours. The joint air tasking cycle is synchronized with the JFC's battle rhythm. The JAOC normally
  establishes a 72- to 96-hour ATO planning cycle. The battle rhythm articulates briefings, meetings, and report
  requirements. It provides suspense for targeting, friendly order of battle updates to produce the air battle plan
  that includes the ATO message and other products. The battle rhythm is essential to ensure information is
  available when and where required to provide products necessary for the synchronization of joint air
  operations with the JFC's concept of the operation and supporting other components' operations. Nonetheless,
  air operations must be responsive to a dynamic OE and the joint air tasking cycle must be flexible and capable
  of modification during ATO execution.
  3-34. The timing of targeting working group sessions is critical. While the time-focus for sessions of the
  targeting working group is normally 24 to 96 hours out, the employment of assets and certain targeting
  decisions, such as target nominations and air support requests, and other effects requests must be planned in
  advance and in conjunction with the division, corps, theater Army, and the joint air tasking cycle. However,
  commanders must choose a targeting cycle based on the pace of operations. These cycles may be 6-12 hours
  apart if required. The targeting officer at echelon schedules internal targeting huddles so that lethal and
  nonlethal effects, to include EW activities related to target nominations, arrive within the BCT and higher
  echelon target nomination windows.