Center of Gravity: Recommendations for Joint Doctrine
Abstract
Advanced by Carl von Clausewitz, the concept of center of gravity is a popular strategic theory. Military transformation assigns a dominant role in doctrine to this concept despite its roots in the industrial age. Yet after more than two decades of controversy, the meaning of center of gravity remains unsettled. Fortunately, some of the confusion can be eliminated by returning to its original sense. Both the concept and its analogue in the mechanical sciences have common properties: neither is a source of strength, but rather a point at which physical and psychological forces meet. As a result, doctrine should be revised -- in particular, Joint Pub 3-0, "Doctrine for Joint Operations," and Joint Pub 5-00.1, "Joint Doctrine for Campaign Planning," to establish a clear understanding of the meaning of center of gravity. Each service has applied the concept of center of gravity differently. In the mid-1990s the military attempted to consolidate individual service perspectives into a single definition. The Armed Forces have reached a critical point. On the one hand, the concept of center of gravity could be replaced by "center of criticality" to more accurately represent its original meaning. Then center of gravity can be deleted from the military lexicon. On the other hand, if the concept is retained to focus on an element that compels an enemy to collapse, center of gravity should be redefined to mean focal point. By choosing the latter path, planners would be better positioned to incorporate ideas such as effects-based operations. But the concept must be applied judiciously. At a time when an enemy can operate in a decentralized manner globally, certain situations may arise in which the idea does not apply and pursuing it will not benefit warfighters.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA520978
Entities
People
- Antulio J. Echevarria Ii
Organizations
- United States Army War College