When are High Payoff Targets (HPTs) typically identified?

High Payoff Targets (HPTs) are critical assets or capabilities that, if targeted effectively, can significantly contribute to the overall success of a mission. In the context of the Military Decision-Making Process (MDMP), HPTs are usually identified during Step 3, which is the Course of Action (COA) Development phase.

This phase focuses on generating and evaluating different courses of action based on the mission requirements and the enemy situation. Identifying HPTs at this stage allows commanders to prioritize targets that can lead to significant operational advantages, especially by disrupting the enemy's capabilities or affecting their decision-making process.

By pinpointing HPTs early in the COA development, commanders can design operations that specifically focus on these targets, ensuring that their reconnaissance and strike efforts are concentrated on those elements that will have the highest impact. This strategic targeting enhances overall mission effectiveness, making the identification of HPTs a vital component of successful operational planning.