This document serves as the foundational doctrinal guide for how NATO forces plan, coordinate, and execute the targeting process at the operational and tactical levels. While its companion publication, ATP-3.2.1.1 (Close Air Support), focuses on air-to-ground integration, ATP-3.3.8.1 addresses the entire joint targeting cycle, ensuring that land, air, maritime, cyber, and space capabilities work in unison. ATP-3.3.8.1 is a restricted military publication (NATO UNCLASSIFIED / RELEASABLE TO PARTNERS) that provides a standardized framework for joint targeting . "Joint" in this context means involving two or more military branches or NATO member nations. "Targeting" refers to the process of selecting and prioritizing targets, matching appropriate lethal or non-lethal actions to them, and assessing the results.
Brussels / Allied Command Operations – In modern coalition warfare, the ability to deliver the right munition to the right target at the right time—without causing unnecessary harm—is one of the most complex challenges a military commander faces. To standardize this process, NATO has developed a series of Allied Tactical Publications (ATPs). Among the most critical for combat operations is ATP-3.3.8.1 , officially titled "Joint Targeting (Ground)." nato atp-3.3.8.1