Target of opportunity
Encyclopedia
Target of opportunity is a military term
used to describe a target which, in a combat scenario, is presented or presents itself as a possible target
in addition to those targets considered to be primary targets of any particular military operation
.
In preparation for most ordinary combat military operation
s, soldier
s are given a series of objectives
which may include one or more primary targets.
During combat operations, an additional target or additional targets may be present. Provided any action to deal with those targets would not compromise outlined operational objectives, the military personnel in question may elect to designate each additional potential target as a target of opportunity.
As the name suggests, these targets are only dealt with if the opportunity to do so arises in the course of normal operational activities. Operational objectives and primary target allocation will generally not be altered to account for a target of opportunity unless that target is reviewed by a commanding officer
and receives a higher target value designation; e.g. if identifiers reveal the target to be a designated high-value target.
The term is also sometimes used in a non-military context to describe an alternative course of action considered easier than a previously agreed, approved or assumed action.
Military terminology
Military terminology refers to the terms and language of military organizations and personnel as belonging to a discrete category, as distinguishable by their usage in military doctrine, as they serve to depoliticise, dehumanise, or otherwise abstract discussion about its operations from an actual...
used to describe a target which, in a combat scenario, is presented or presents itself as a possible target
Targeting (warfare)
Targeting is the process used to select objects or installations to be attacked, taken, or destroyed in warfare.Technologically advanced countries can generally select their targets in such a way as to minimize collateral damage and civilian casualties. This can fall by the wayside, however, during...
in addition to those targets considered to be primary targets of any particular military operation
Military operation
Military operation is the coordinated military actions of a state in response to a developing situation. These actions are designed as a military plan to resolve the situation in the state's favor. Operations may be of combat or non-combat types, and are referred to by a code name for the purpose...
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In preparation for most ordinary combat military operation
Military operation
Military operation is the coordinated military actions of a state in response to a developing situation. These actions are designed as a military plan to resolve the situation in the state's favor. Operations may be of combat or non-combat types, and are referred to by a code name for the purpose...
s, soldier
Soldier
A soldier is a member of the land component of national armed forces; whereas a soldier hired for service in a foreign army would be termed a mercenary...
s are given a series of objectives
Objective (military)
A military objective is a clearly defined desired result in a given campaign, major operation, battle, or engagement set by the senior command for their formations and units to achieve. Military objectives can be set within a three-tier scale of combat structure of tactical, operational and...
which may include one or more primary targets.
During combat operations, an additional target or additional targets may be present. Provided any action to deal with those targets would not compromise outlined operational objectives, the military personnel in question may elect to designate each additional potential target as a target of opportunity.
As the name suggests, these targets are only dealt with if the opportunity to do so arises in the course of normal operational activities. Operational objectives and primary target allocation will generally not be altered to account for a target of opportunity unless that target is reviewed by a commanding officer
Commanding officer
The commanding officer is the officer in command of a military unit. Typically, the commanding officer has ultimate authority over the unit, and is usually given wide latitude to run the unit as he sees fit, within the bounds of military law...
and receives a higher target value designation; e.g. if identifiers reveal the target to be a designated high-value target.
The term is also sometimes used in a non-military context to describe an alternative course of action considered easier than a previously agreed, approved or assumed action.