What must happen to achieve a kill in military operations?

Achieving a kill in military operations requires the successful execution of each phase of the kill chain. The kill chain is a systematic process that involves several critical steps, including target detection, identification, tracking, engagement, and assessment of the strike's effectiveness. Each phase must be performed effectively to ensure the intended outcome of neutralizing the target.

This comprehensive approach is essential because even if one phase is not carried out properly, it can lead to failure in achieving the objective, including the possibility of missing the target entirely or causing unintended consequences. Thus, focusing on the entire chain of operations significantly increases the chances of mission success.