The Tactical Center of Gravity: Fact or Fallacy?
Abstract
In 1986, the US Army published a revision of FM 100-5, Operations, that, for the first time, clearly linked military theory and its doctrine. In this manual, a term defined by Carl von Clausewitz as the hub of all power and movement, the center of gravity, is introduced and defined as a key to operational design and applicable to all levels of war. This study examined the applicability of Clausewitz's center of gravity at the tactical level of war. A complementary concept, the decisive point, as defined by Baron Antoine Henri Jomini, was also examined and a linkage established to the center of gravity. Joint doctrine as well as the doctrine of other military services and the former Soviet Union were reviewed to determine the validity of the concept outside the Army. Two tactical level operations, the 1st Marine Division in OPERATION CHROMITE, the landing at Inchon, Korea and the subsequent capture of Seoul, and the 24th Infantry Division (Mechanized) during OPERATION DESERT STORM, were examined to determine the utility of a tactical center of gravity. A center of gravity is a source of strength for the enemy force and is normally attacked indirectly through decisive points. It is decisive points that are attacked by tactical commanders as part of the operational commander's plan to destroy or neutralize the enemy's center of gravity. The conclusion of this study is that Clausewitz never intended his analogy of center of gravity to be used at the tactical level of war. This study recommends that FM 100-5, as well as Joint and Sister Service doctrine, be revised to restrict the use of center of gravity to the strategic and operational levels of war and further develop the inherent relationship between center of gravity and the decisive point.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA264508
Entities
People
- Patrick M. Strain
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College