In a military conflict, a targeteer creates plans for aerial bombardments to maximize effect while minimizing the risk of civilian casualties. Targeteers are members of military units that use planes as strategic weapons. They rely heavily on intelligence to carry out their duties and must have a high security clearance because they may be exposed to sensitive information. These military specialists are members of planning teams that collaborate with military officials to develop an effective and appropriate military operation plan of attack.
Before a targeteer can start looking for potential targets, he or she usually meets with mission planners to discuss the mission’s goals. This could be for the purpose of destroying specific targets, such as power plants or military installations. It could also be used to intimidate occupying forces or aid invading ground forces. Before making plans, the targeteer should think about what the military wants to achieve.
Limitations such as aircraft range and the types of weapons the military will make available are also factors to consider. Many military organizations have cooperative agreements with allies that allow them to launch, refuel, and support operations on foreign soil, but aircraft carriers and other options may also be required. The parameters of the attack plan may be determined by constraints on available supplies and personnel.
A targeteer can evaluate overhead surveillance, ground reports, and other material with this information. This should enable the creation of a list of targets that can be prioritized. When considering potential targets, it’s important to consider the possibility of civilian casualties. For example, if a facility is located next to a critical hospital, the military may be hesitant to attack it for fear of causing damage or destruction to the hospital.
Mission planners can distribute assignments to members of an air strike crew after the targeteer generates a list of potential targets. In the event that a target fails, aircrews may be given some leeway, including a choice of targets on a mission. The targeteer gathers intelligence after the air strike to determine the outcome. This can include things like surveillance to assess physical damage, news outlet reviews for casualty reports and commentator reactions, and so on. This data can be used to plan future raids and allows the targeteer to evaluate the mission’s success and generate a detailed report for superiors.