Time-Sensitive Targeting Improving the Critical Link between Special Forces and Airpower

Technological improvements and advanced tactics, techniques and procedures have increased the speed with which US and coalition forces can strike time-sensitive and dynamic targets. This in turn has caused US adversaries to increase the mobility of their forces to counter the threat of TST prosecution. Striking critical, mobile targets with asymmetric power is a very complex operation that must be carefully planned and rehearsed. The result is the Time-Sensitive Targeting (TST) process. However, is the TST process adequate for modern warfare? The current TST process and the role that SOF plays in it is still evolving and requires improvement to effectively and efficiently support SOF. A comparison of the combat-proven Joint Targeting Cycle and the Time-sensitive Targeting process shows that all necessary procedures that take place during targeting for the Air Tasking Order (ATO) are also covered in the time-compressed process of TST prosecution. Clear definition of TSTs and the required approval authority for prosecution that is provided by the JFC is critical in the effective and efficient TST process. However, this alone is not enough. The global war on terror, with the potential to be fought in multiple locations simultaneously, has and may continue to require an increased reliance on smaller, lighter, covert forces such as Special Operations Forces (SOF). SOF conducting clandestine operations are many times the first to locate and identify TSTs. In this capacity, SOF serve as a critical asset in the timely application of accurate fires on these targets.