A contact report that includes a target description serves what purpose?

A contact report that includes a target description serves primarily to act as an "alert" to the crew of a pending engagement. This means that when personnel obtain information about a target, sharing that information through a contact report ensures everyone involved is aware of the situation, enabling them to prepare for engagement.

The target description includes vital details that help identify the nature of the engagement, including the type of target, its location, and other contextual factors that could influence how the engagement should proceed. This alert function is crucial for maintaining situational awareness and ensuring that all crew members are on the same page as they move into the next phases of engagement.

While the other choices might seem relevant, they do not accurately reflect the primary purpose of a contact report with a target description. For instance, providing a detailed map or summarizing the strengths and weaknesses of a target would be more specific to planning and assessment phases rather than immediate alertness. Training protocols are also not the focus here; the emphasis is on immediate actionable awareness during operations.