Targeting Analyst

What does a Targeting Analyst do?

Manages, supervises, and performs targeting intelligence and targeting operations to enable an effects-based approach to operations. Targeting Analysts conduct target development, estimate effects, and leverage intelligence to develop and manage target lists, support multi-domain mission planning, and conduct combat assessments, ultimately optimizing force effectiveness and minimizing unintended consequences in accordance with legal and ethical standards.. Related DoD Occupational Subgroup: 124200.

Duties and responsibilities

• Conducts System Analysis (TSA). Reviews how a functional target system works as a whole and analyzes the interactions between components. Takes a system-of-systems approach to look at interdependencies and vulnerabilities between systems as well as intra-system dependencies in order to maximize the effectiveness of target development and support Capabilities Analysis. Develops all-source analytical products which identify target systems that have relevance to stated objectives, military importance, and priority of attack using Targeting Analysis and Targeting Production skills.
• Performs Intermediate Target Development (ITD). Fully characterizes entities for Intelligence Community level vetting and validation applying Targeting Analysis techniques. Determines functions and elements which enable enemy capabilities and/or actions, which are the focus of the commander’s objectives and thus the source of the desired direct and cascading effects on the system. Uses Targeting Production to develop products and database information to support target development, vetting and validation.
• Conducts and supports Target List Management (TLM) through the application of Targeting Production, Targeting Analysis, Capabilities Analysis, and Planning. Composed of target vetting, validation, listing, nomination, and prioritization; Nominates and prioritizes targets to achieve the effects and objectives outlined in commander’s guidance and are coordinated and de-conflicted with agencies and activities that might present a conflict with the proposed action.
• Performs Advanced Target Development (ATD) using Capabilities Analysis and GI&S competencies. Comprised of Weaponeering, Target Coordinate Mensuration (TCM), and Collateral Damage Estimation (CDE). Considers target vulnerability to quantify results of capabilities employment against prioritized targets to achieve desired effects. Determines precise weapon(s) placement, consequences and hazards presented by weapons effects. Makes recommendations on how to mitigate those effects in compliance with Rules Of Engagement (ROE) and Law Of War (LOW).
• Supports multi-domain mission planning. Merges intelligence analysis with operational execution, employing the planning competency to refine understanding of adversary networks and optimize target data for mission planning systems. Support mission planning by verifying tasking details and identifying vulnerabilities through threat and target signature development. Targeting Analysts are crucial in bridging the gap between intelligence and employment of effects in the operational environment.
• Conducts Combat Assessment (CA) to include. Battle Damage Assessment (BDA), Munitions Effectiveness Assessment (MEA), and Reattack recommendations. Estimates the achievement of the desired effects, based on physical, change, and/or functional damage assessment to enable target system assessment using Targeting Analysis, Capabilities Analysis, and GI&S knowledge. Recommends changes to the methodology, tactics, weapon system, munitions, fusing, and/or weapon delivery parameters to increase force effectiveness. Determines any required follow-up actions, or indicates readiness to move on to new tasks in the path to achieving the overall JFC objectives.
• Processes, exploits, and disseminates intelligence products and conducts analysis concerning threat countries or targets of interest via written and/or verbal means. These products provide specificity and knowledge to commanders and national leaders to impact tactical through strategic level decision making processes.

Specialty qualifications

Knowledge. Knowledge is mandatory of Targeting Analyst competencies; Leadership, Training, Collaboration, Communication, Resource Management, Program Management, Data Literacy, Targeting Production, Geospatial Information and Services (GI&S), Capabilities Analysis, Targeting Analysis, and Planning. This includes but is not limited to knowledge of: imagery interpretation principles, techniques, and procedures for imagery exploitation; Air Force, DoD, and collection and reporting systems; techniques of identifying, collating, evaluating, and analyzing information; current military capabilities and employment tactics of potential enemy offensive and defensive weapon systems; electromagnetic theory; targeting methodologies and techniques; use of geospatial data, information and intelligence data systems, maps, charts, and grid systems. Graphic, oral, and written intelligence and targeting data presentation. Fundamental mensuration techniques; requirements for, and sources and uses of target and geospatial intelligence data; production of target materials; and security controls, classifications, markings, and handling restrictions.

Education. For entry into this specialty, award of high school diploma or General Education Development equivalency, with courses in mathematics, advanced English, and computer applications are desirable for entry into this specialty.

Training. For award of AFSC 1N831, completion of the Targeting Analyst multi-course pipeline consisting of: the Targeting Analyst Course, the Target Coordinate Mensuration (TCM) Course, and the AFSC-awarding Collateral Damage Estimation (CDE) Course or the single Occupational Competency based Targeting Analyst Course which includes (TCM) Initial Training and (CDE) qualification.

• For US Space Force, completion of the Targeting Analyst multi-course pipeline consisting of: the Targeting Analyst Course, the Target Coordinate Mensuration (TCM) Course, and the AFSC-awarding Collateral Damage Estimation (CDE) Course as well as Geospatial-Intelligence Targeting Course and Space Warfighter Intelligence Formal Training Unit (SWIFTU) is mandatory until replaced by new courses as determined by US Space Force.

Experience. The following experience is mandatory for award of the AFSC indicated:

• 1N851. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 1N831.
• 1N871. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 1N851.

Other. The following are mandatory as indicated:

• For entry into this specialty:
• Stereopsis (depth perception) acuity-required, determined by 40 seconds of arc near stereopsis or better.
• A minimum score of 63 is required on the 1N8X1 Tailored Adaptive Personality Assessment System (TAPAS)/Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) predictive success model (PSM). If PSM score unavailable G:67 may be used an alternative qualification standard.
• See attachment 4 for additional entry requirements.
• For award and retention of AFSC 1N8X1:
• When required for a current or future assignment, Airmen must successfully complete a Counterintelligence (CI) polygraph or meet all customer access eligibility requirements. After 12 months from the date of requirement, Airmen who fail to successfully complete a polygraph or do not meet mission, system, and/or facility access eligibility requirements should be considered for retraining or separation.
• Must maintain local network access IAW AFMANs 17-1201, User Responsibilities and Guidance for Information Systems and 17-1301, Computer Security.
• Specialty requires routine access to Tier 5 (T5) information, systems, or similar classified environment.
• Completion of a current T5 Investigation IAW DoDM 5200.02, AFMAN 16-1405, Air Force Personnel Security Program, is mandatory. NOTE: Initial attendance in 1N8X1AFSC awarding course without a completed T5 clearance is authorized provided an interim T5 eligibility has been granted IAW Intelligence Community Directive (ICD) 704. Airmen who cannot obtain at least an Interim T5 clearance for programmed class-start are not eligible for entry into the AFSC.

Civilian career paths

Comparable civilian careers for this field pay roughly $46,200–$107,210 per year (median salaries; varies by role and location):

• Cartographers and Photogrammetrists: $68,380
• Database Administrators: $98,860
• Geographers: $85,430
• Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians: $92,870
• Intelligence Analysts: $86,940
• Operations Research Analysts: $86,200
• Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists: $107,210
• Remote Sensing Technicians: $52,460
• Surveying and Mapping Technician: $46,200