Which statement best describes target validation?

• A. Target development identifies candidate targets
• B. Target development confirms legitimacy, priority, and potential effects
• C. Target validation confirms legitimacy, priority, and potential effects
• D. Target validation identifies candidate targets

Answer: (C)

Target validation is the step where you confirm that a target is truly suitable for engagement by checking three things: legitimacy, priority, and potential effects. Legitimacy means the target is a valid military objective under the law of armed conflict and ROE, not a protected site or non-target. Priority is how important this target is relative to others given the mission goals, available resources, and risk, so you’re focusing on the right targets at the right time. Potential effects look at what engaging the target will achieve and what risks or collateral damage might occur, ensuring the action leads to the desired outcome with acceptable consequences. This distinguishes it from target development, which is the phase that identifies candidate targets; validation is about confirming suitability of targets already identified.