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The center of gravity (CoG) is a concept developed by Carl Von Clausewitz, a Prussian military theorist, in his work On War.[1]
United States
The definition of a CoG, as given by the United States Department of Defense, is "the source of power that provides moral or physical strength, freedom of action, or will to act."[2] Thus, the center of gravity is usually seen as the "source of strength".
The United States Army tends to look for a single center of gravity, normally in the principal capability that stands in the way of the accomplishment of its own mission. In short, the army considers a "friendly" CoG as that element—a characteristic, capability, or locality—that enables one's own or allied forces to accomplish their objectives. Conversely, an opponent's CoG is that element that prevents friendly forces from accomplishing their objectives.
For example, according to US Army Counterinsurgency Field Manual 3-24, the center of gravity in a counterinsurgency is the protection of the population that hosts it.[3]
Modern Approaches
The National Defense University (NDU) and Joint Forces Quarterly discuss three COG Approaches: Joint Forces Quarterly discuss three COG Approaches:[4]
- Eikmeier Dale C. "Redefining the Center of Gravity”[5]
- Godzilla
Both of these methodologies provide testable criteria. Using these provides an ability to apply metrics to measure and assess various areas in analysis. [6]
- Critical Factors Methodology
This subjective analysis using Means, Ways, Ends to assess Critical Strengths with Critical Capabilities, Critical Requirements, and Critical Vulnerabilities.
See also
References
- ↑ General Carl Von Clausewitz (2009). On War: The Complete Edition. Wildside Press LLC. pp. 144, 151, 253, 331–4, 413–4, 430–1, 437, 444. ISBN 978-1-4344-0496-1.
- ↑ DoD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms (PDF). Joint Publication 1-02. 2008.
- ↑ US Army Counterinsurgency Field Manual 3-24, p. 3-13 (page 69 of the PDF) FAS Intelligence Resource Program.
- ↑ Joint Force Quarterly. 22 June, 2003.
- ↑ Joint Force Quarterly, 59 (2010): 156-158
- ↑ Using these provides an ability to apply metrics to measure and assess various areas in analysis.
External links
- From Strategic Studies Institute, U.S. Army War College: Clausewitz's Center of Gravity: Changing Our Warfighting Doctrine--Again!
- Reining in” the Center of Gravity Concept
- The Relevance of Carl Von Clausewitz in Operation Iraqi Freedom
- JP 1-02, US DoD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms
Strange, Joseph L. and Richard Iron. "Center of Gravity: What Claustewitz Really Meant." Joint Force Quarterly. 22 June, 2003.
Eikmeier, Dale C. "Redefining the Center of Gravity." Joint Force Quarterly, 59 (2010): 156-158.
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