What is the term for the employment of weapons systems to create a specific effect on a target?

The term that best describes the employment of weapons systems to create a specific effect on a target is "Joint Fires." This concept encompasses the coordinated use of various weapon systems, including air, land, and naval forces, to maximize their combined effects on a specified target. Joint Fires is characterized by the integration of different types of fire support within joint operations, ensuring that the right weapon systems are utilized in a synchronized manner to achieve operational objectives efficiently and effectively.

In joint operations, the focus is broader, encompassing all military activities and coordination among various forces rather than specifically relating to the targeting and use of weapon systems. Targeting refers to the process of selecting and prioritizing targets, which is essential in operational planning but does not specifically denote the employment of weapons systems as "Joint Fires" does. Force Application is a more general term that addresses the overall strategy of deploying military power but lacks the specific connotation of using weapons systems to achieve a designated effect on a target. Thus, "Joint Fires" is the most accurate term for this context, showcasing its specificity and relevance to the effective use of military capabilities in reaching desired outcomes in joint operations.