Welcome to The Fires Lab
A step-by-step course on the D3A targeting methodology — Decide, Detect, Deliver, and Assess.
This course begins after intelligence preparation of the operational environment (IPOE) is complete. Your intelligence section has already studied the enemy and the terrain. Now your job is to use that intelligence to plan and execute targeting: finding the right enemy targets and engaging them at the right time and place to support the commander's plan.
- Decide — determine which targets to engage, based on the mission and the commander's guidance.
- Detect — find and track those targets using available sensors and observers.
- Deliver — engage the targets to create the desired effect.
- Assess — evaluate the results and decide what to do next.
The four functions form a continuous cycle. Assessment feeds back into new decisions, and the cycle repeats for as long as the operation continues.
How this workbook works
You will work through one continuing tactical scenario. Read the scenario first, then complete the four phases in order. Each phase has short lessons followed by tasks. Complete every task in a phase before moving to the next one. A checkmark appears in the menu bar when a phase is finished. Your progress is saved on this computer.
Course progress: 0 of 17 tasks
The Scenario
Your mission, the enemy situation, and the intelligence picture after IPOE.
PHASE 1Decide
Three products, one at a time: the high-payoff target list, the target selection standards, and the attack guidance matrix.
PHASE 2Detect
Task your sensors to find the targets, and check acquisitions against your standards.
PHASE 3Deliver
Engage valid targets with the right asset to create the desired effect.
PHASE 4Assess
Evaluate battle damage and recommend the next step: re-attack, new targets, or new guidance.
REFERENCEGlossary
Definitions of every term and acronym used in this course.