An Operational Center of Gravity Analysis of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Abstract

In preparing a war plan, one of the most important factors to identify is the enemy's center of gravity. The operational center of gravity must be identified in order to achieve operational objectives which, in turn, support the achievement of strategic objectives. Improper identification of the operational center of gravity can lead to devastating consequences, and potentially different end-states than expected. This paper analyzes different theories of what constitutes an operational center of gravity and applies them to Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). This includes a discussion of actual planning considerations for OIF and an analysis of three potential operational centers of gravity. It concludes with the proposal that the operational center of gravity for the Iraqi regime was the land force that included the Republican Guard, Special Republican Guard, Special Security Organization, and Fedayeen Saddam. Through an analysis of the operational center of gravity of OIF further research can be conducted on the actual operations in OIF and their supporting role towards the achievement of operational objectives.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 13, 2006
Accession Number
ADA463502

Entities

People

  • John R. Leskovich

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Defense
  • Air Strikes
  • Center Of Gravity
  • Chemical Weapons
  • Civilian Population
  • Command And Control
  • Identification
  • International Organizations
  • Iraqi-War
  • Military Operations
  • Security
  • United States
  • United States Central Command
  • War
  • War Colleges
  • Weapons
  • Weapons Of Mass Destruction

Readers

  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.
  • Systems Analysis and Design