美軍在聯合目標打擊循環中，國際法在各個階段都是考量之一，在計畫過程中，戰爭法的基本原理原則，都被適用在各種目標選定及打擊之決定上，無論使用的是致命性武器或非致命性武器，武力之運用都必須受到戰爭法原理原則拘束。因此，如果在執行演習及軍事行動之作戰計畫擬訂與執行階段，能提早讓軍法人員參與此過程，提供合法適切之法律意見，將大幅提升目標選定過程之精準度，有效地避免可能違反國際法及國內法之後果發生。

International law is one of the considerations that are taken by US Forces in all phases of the joint targeting cycle. In the Planning process, US Forces must be able to comply with the fundamental principles of the law of war which will apply to targeting decisions. Law of war principles regulate the actions and the use of armed force, and this applies to lethal or nonlethal weapons. Early involvement by the staff of judge advocate during planning and execution of the military exercises, actions and operations will improve the targeting process. Since the staff of judge advocate should be consulted to provide lawful and applicable advice that will enhance the validity of targeting, US Forces could effectively avoid the bad consequences of the violations of international law and domestic law.