Understanding Targeting in Military Strategy

🎖️ Shout Out to the Red Triangle Professionals

Big love to the 1N8s—the USAF Targeting Analysts. According to the official Air Force description:

PRECISION IN EVERY STRIKE — "Keen eyes are just as crucial on the ground as they are in the sky. It is the responsibility of Targeting Analysts to develop and implement tactical strike solutions for anything that poses a potential threat. Our experts analyze terrains and structures to make precise strike recommendations and battle damage assessments for their commanding officers."

CJCS Caine described it perfectly:

"Weaponeering is the science of evaluating a target [...] ultimately determining the right weapon and fuse combination to achieve the desired effects and maximum destruction."

That’s what the Targeting special capability captures in IADS: The Game.

🎮 Targeting Mechanics in IADS

In the game, Targeting is a Special Capability tied to the Intelligence Unit Card, representing 1N8s and organizations like the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA).

How It Works

Here's how Targeting affects gameplay:

• When a shot misses, Targeting allows the attacking player to re-roll their dice.

• For each Upgrade attached to the Intelligence unit card, the attacker receives one additional re-roll attempt.

  
  

This mechanic is a game-changer — and thematically spot-on. If you’ve played IADS, you understand that not every strike hits. But with solid intel, you gain a second (or third!) chance to say, "That's not actually what happened — I have Targeting Analysts who considered that outcome and recommended the following roll instead!" 🎯

🎯 The Importance of Targeting Analysts

Targeting Analysts play a crucial role not just in simulations like IADS, but in real-life military operations as well. These professionals help ensure that every strike is precise and effective. Considering all variables, they help strike planners choose the right weapon and method for engagement. This is not a simple task; it requires extensive training and an eye for detail.

A Day in the Life of a Targeting Analyst

What does a typical day look like for a Targeting Analyst? They analyze intelligence reports, evaluate potential targets, and contribute to the planning of military operations. Their goal is straightforward: minimize collateral damage while achieving mission objectives. Every decision they make can have far-reaching implications.

🧠 Closing Thoughts: Intel FTW!

As the biggest fan of the Intelligence unit card you'll ever find, I fixate on the "Find, Fix" portion of F2T2EA (Find, Fix, Track, Target, Engage, Assess). I can't tell you how many times I wished I had saved my one-off Intelligence card to use Targeting instead of Order of Battle! I guess I'll be trying to draft both intel cards from now on (like I wasn't already, haha)!

I know we're still in the Assess portion for the Fordow strikes — I would hate for the U.S. to have to plan a whole series of real-world re-rolls against such a hardened target!

-- Ric