Center of Gravity Analysis Guide: Difference between revisions
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== Overview == | == Overview == | ||
The Center of Gravity (COG) is a pivotal concept in military theory and strategic planning, originating from Carl von Clausewitz's work. It represents the source of power that provides moral or physical strength, freedom of action, or will. Proper identification and manipulation of the COG can lead to significant strategic advantages and can be decisive in military operations. | The Center of Gravity (COG) is a pivotal concept in military theory and strategic planning, originating from Carl von Clausewitz's work. It represents the source of power that provides moral or physical strength, freedom of action, or will. Proper identification and manipulation of the COG can lead to significant strategic advantages and can be decisive in military operations. <ref name="Clausewitz">Carl von Clausewitz, ''On War'', translated by Michael Howard and Peter Paret, Princeton University Press.</ref> | ||
Understanding the COG helps commanders focus their efforts on targets that will greatly affect the adversary's ability to conduct operations while protecting their own COG. | Understanding the COG helps commanders focus their efforts on targets that will greatly affect the adversary's ability to conduct operations while protecting their own COG. | ||
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=== Identify the COG === | === Identify the COG === | ||
Accurately identifying the COG is critical for successful operational planning. This | Accurately identifying the COG is critical for successful operational planning. This thoroughly analyzes friendly forces, adversaries, and other relevant actors such as host nations.<ref>Joint Publication 5-0, ''Joint Planning'', U.S. Department of Defense, 1 December 2020.</ref> | ||
==== '''Friendly COG''': ==== | ==== '''Friendly COG''': ==== | ||
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== Steps in COG Analysis == | == Steps in COG Analysis == | ||
COG analysis involves a systematic approach to identify and exploit or protect centers of gravity. | COG analysis involves a systematic approach to identify and exploit or protect centers of gravity. <ref>Vulnerability Assessment Method Pocket Guide: A Tool for Center of Gravity Analysis, RAND Corporation. [https://www.rand.org/pubs/tools/TL129.html Link]</ref> | ||
<ref>Joint Publication 3-0, ''Joint Operations'', U.S. Department of Defense. [https://www.jcs.mil/Doctrine/Joint-Doctrine-Pubs/3-0-Operations-Series/ Link]</ref> | |||
<ref>A Methodology for Center of Gravity Analysis, Military Review, August 2019. [https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Portals/7/military-review/Archives/English/MilitaryReview_20190831_art012.pdf Link]</ref> | |||
<ref>Center of Gravity Determination and Analysis, U.S. Army Combined Arms Center. [https://usacac.army.mil/sites/default/files/documents/cace/DCL/DCL_COG.pdf Link]</ref> | |||
=== 1. Define the Operational Environment === | === 1. Define the Operational Environment === | ||
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== References == | == References == | ||
[[Category:Military Planning]] | [[Category:Military Planning]] | ||