CARVER
From SARMA Common Knowledge Base Project
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| Revised: | 10-31-2007 |
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Contents |
[edit] Methodology
The CARVER target selection process requires detailed intelligence and thorough planning, and is based upon six characteristics of a target.[1] The six are:
- Criticality – The importance of a system, subsystem, complex, or component. A target is critical when its destruction or damage has a significant impact on the output of the targeted system, subsystem, complex, and, at the highest level, on the threat’s ability to make or sustain war. Criticality depends upon several factors: How rapidly will the impact of target destruction effect enemy operations? What percentage of output is curtailed by target damage? Is there an existence of substitutes for the output product or service? What is the number of targets and their position in the system or complex flow diagram?
- Accessibility – The ease with which a target can be reached, either physically or by fire. A target is accessible when an action element can physically infiltrate the target, or if the target can be hit by direct or indirect fire. Accessibility varies with the infiltration/exfiltration, the survival and evasion and security situation en route to and at the target, and the need for barrier penetration, climbing, etc, at the target. The use of standoff weapons should always be evaluated when evaluating accessibility. Survivability of the attacker is usually most closely correlated to the target’s accessibility.
- Recuperability – A measure of the time required to replace, repair, or bypass the destruction or damage inflicted on the target. Recuperability varies with the sources and ages of targeted components and with the availability of spare parts. The existence of economic embargoes and the technical resources of the enemy nation will influence recuperability.
- Vulnerability – A measure of the ability of the action element to damage the target using available assets (both men and material). A target is vulnerable if the unit has the means and expertise to successfully attack it. Vulnerability depends on: The nature and construction of the target; The amount of damage required; The assets available (manpower, transportation, weapons, explosives, and equipment).
- Effect on Population – The positive or negative influence on the population as a result of the action taken. Effect considers public relation in the vicinity of the target, but also considers the domestic and international reaction as well. Will reprisals against friendly forces and population groups result? Will national psychological operations (PSYOP) themes be reinforced or contradicted? Will exfiltration or evasion be helped or hurt? What will be the allied and domestic reaction? Will the enemy population be alienated from its government, or will it become more supportive of the government? Efect is often neutral at the tactical level.
- Recognizability – The degree to which a target can be recognized under varying weather, light, and seasonal conditions without confusion with other targets or components. Factors which influence recognizability include the size and complexity of the target, the existence of distinctive target signatures, and the technical sophistication and training of the attackers.
[edit] CARVER Matrix
The CARVER target selection factors may be used to construct a CARVER matrix, a decision tool for rating the relative desirability of potential targets and for wisely allocating attack resources. To construct the matrix, list the potential targets in the left column. For strategic level analysis, list the enemy’s systems or subsystems (electric, power, rail, etc). For tactical level analysis, list the complexes or components of the subsystem or complexes selected for attack.
Next, develop concrete criteria for evaluating each CARVER factor. For instance, “time” may be used to evaluate criticality. If loss of a component results in an immediate halt of output, then that component is very critical. If loss of the component results in a halt to output, but only after several days or weeks, then that component is less critical. Similarly, percentage of output curtailed might be used as the evaluation criterion.
Once the evaluation criteria have been established, use a numerical rating system (i.e. 1 to 5, or 1 to 10) to rank CARVER factors for each potential target. In a 1 to 10 numbering system, a score of 10 would indicate a very desirable rating (from the attackers point of view) while a score of 1 reflects an undesirable rating. The analyst must tailor the criteria and rating scheme to suit the particular strategic or tactical situation and the particular target being analyzed.
| Potential Targets | C | A | R | V | E | R | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel Tanks | 8 | 9 | 3 | 8 | 1 | 6 | 35 |
| Fuel Pumps | 8 | 6 | 2 | 10 | 1 | 3 | 30 |
| Generators | 4 | 6 | 10 | 7 | 1 | 9 | 37 |
| Turbines | 8 | 6 | 10 | 7 | 1 | 9 | 41 |
| Condensers | 3 | 8 | 5 | 8 | 1 | 4 | 29 |
- ↑ USAJFKSWCS, 1st SWTG(A), Special Operations Targeting Handbook, January 1995.
[edit] Approach (Method, Technique, or Tool)
[edit] Description
[edit] Sector/Mission Focus
[edit] Applicability
[edit] Data Required
[edit] Mathematical Treatment
[edit] Time Required
[edit] Software Required
[edit] History
CARVER is a target selection methodology originally designed by US Special Operations Forces to determine the value of a target to military attackers. The CARVER target selection factors assist planners and operators in identifying choke points and critical damage points.
[edit] Key Participants
The US FDA has standardized "CARVER + Shock" as their methodology for Food Defense and is launching a computerized version of the methodology via the web, so more companies have access to it as a risk tool.
