What do "combat effects" refer to in targeting strategies?

The term "combat effects" in targeting strategies specifically refers to the intended impacts on enemy capabilities. In military operations, targeting aims to disrupt, degrade, or destroy an adversary’s capabilities to achieve operational objectives. This includes inflicting damage on enemy forces, infrastructure, or resources that are critical to their ability to operate effectively.

Understanding combat effects helps military planners assess and predict how their actions will influence the battlefield and subsequently affect the enemy’s military readiness and capabilities. This aligns with the principle of targeting as a means to create decisive outcomes that align with strategic goals in a conflict. Recognizing the desired effects contributes to the overall effectiveness of military operations by ensuring that engagements are purposeful and directed toward achieving specific results.