Which elements should be included in a Target Description?

• A. Target type, size, activity, movement and speed if known, distance from reference, and distinguishing features.
• B. Observer identity and target's grid coordinates only.
• C. Date and time of targeting mission.
• D. Threat level and weather conditions.

Answer: (A)

A complete Target Description combines what the target is with where it is and how it appears, so those who must engage can reliably identify and locate it. It should specify the target type and size to help recognition, describe what the target is doing (activity) and how it’s moving, and include movement and speed if known to anticipate where it will be. Adding distance from a reference point ties the target to the map or coordinate frame being used, and distinguishing features—colors, markings, camouflage, or unique attributes—allow you to tell this target apart from similar objects or decoys. This combination gives both the visual/behavioral cues for recognition and the locational cues needed for a precise and safe engagement.

Other choices don’t provide the full set of identifying and locating cues. Observer identity and grid coordinates alone don’t convey what the target is or how it’s behaving. Date and time of targeting mission is planning context, not a description of the target itself. Threat level and weather conditions influence planning but aren’t part of the target’s descriptive data used to identify and locate it.