What is the primary goal of effects-based targeting?

The primary goal of effects-based targeting is to achieve specific desired outcomes through targeting actions. This approach goes beyond simply causing destruction; it focuses on how the targeted actions will influence the adversary's capabilities, decision-making, and the operational environment. By concentrating on the effects rather than just the immediate damage, military planners aim to create a strategic impact that aligns with broader objectives, ultimately ensuring that the desired strategic end state is reached.

This method allows for a more nuanced understanding of the battlefield, where the intent is to shape the behavior of the enemy and coerce them into making decisions that are favorable to one's own objectives. In this way, effects-based targeting is fundamentally linked to the overall mission goals, ensuring that every action taken is aimed at achieving a specific operational or strategic effect.