Who is responsible for targeting the next nearest untargeted, gimbals, drops, or as directed?

The role of targeting the next nearest untargeted assets, as well as controlling the use of gimbals and drops, is primarily the responsibility of the command and control (C2) systems. C2 is vital for maintaining situational awareness and ensuring effective management of air operations. It facilitates coordination among different units and provides the necessary oversight to allocate targeting priorities.

In complex combat scenarios, C2 systems gather data from various sources, analyze the operational environment, and then instruct units on targeting decisions to optimize mission effectiveness. This centralization of information allows for a more strategic and coherent use of airpower, ensuring that the most critical threats are addressed in a timely manner.

Other roles, such as the wingman, flight lead, and air control officer, have specific responsibilities that may support the targeting process, but they do not have the overarching authority or situational awareness that C2 possesses. The flight lead may coordinate maneuvers within the team, the wingman supports the lead during engagements, and the air control officer manages aircraft integration with ground and air operations. However, C2's focus on broader operational coordination makes it the key player in targeting decisions.