During which phase does target acquisition primarily occur?

Target acquisition is a critical part of the DIDEA process, and it primarily occurs during the identification phase. This phase is focused on recognizing and confirming the presence and characteristics of a target after it has been detected. During identification, operators gather information to determine whether the target is a legitimate threat or a non-threat, which is essential for making informed engagement decisions.

This phase encompasses identifying the type of target, assessing its threat level, and verifying that it is appropriate to engage. Successful identification ensures that the correct targets are engaged, aligning actions with mission objectives and minimizing the risk of collateral damage.

While detection is also important in the overall acquisition process, it mainly involves noticing the target without the deeper analysis that identification provides. In contrast, delivery pertains to the execution of engagement, and assessment involves evaluating the effectiveness of the engagement after actions are taken. Therefore, identifying the target is where the core aspects of target acquisition truly take shape, making it the correct answer.