Which statement distinguishes target acquisition from target designation?

• A. Acquisition is finding and recognizing; designation is marking the target for guided fire.
• B. Acquisition is marking the target; designation is finding the target.
• C. Both refer to identification of friend or foe.
• D. Both refer to weather estimation.

Answer: (A)

Understanding the difference between finding a target and cueing it for fire is key. Acquisition is the process of locating and recognizing a target within the sensor view, confirming what it is and where it is. Designation is the act of marking that target so a weapon system can guide onto it, such as using a laser or other marker to direct the fire.

So, the statement that acquisition is finding and recognizing while designation is marking the target for guided fire matches the real distinction. The other options mix up roles or bring in unrelated ideas like identifying friends or foes or weather estimation, which don’t describe how acquisition and designation function in targeting.