What does 'effects-based targeting' prioritize?

The concept of 'effects-based targeting' emphasizes the importance of achieving specific strategic and operational outcomes rather than simply focusing on causing destruction. This approach is rooted in the understanding that military actions should be aligned with broader objectives, such as destabilizing an enemy's operational capability, influencing political outcomes, or achieving tactical advantages. By prioritizing desired effects, forces can optimize the use of assets and strategies to create meaningful impacts on the battlefield, leading to more efficient operations.

In contrast, while minimizing munitions expenditure, maximizing enemy casualties, and ensuring the safety of friendly units may all be significant considerations in military operations, they do not encapsulate the primary aim of effects-based targeting. The focus is not solely on the means of warfare or casualty counts but rather on how actions translate into strategic success and overall mission accomplishment.