The Center of Gravity, Systemically Understood
Abstract
How does the U.S. military understand and apply the concept of "center of gravity" in the contexts of theory, doctrine, and planning for the conduct of operations? In particular, does the "center of gravity" serve as an effective tool when applied in accordance with current military doctrine and other nondoctrinal methodologies, and how does its use help reveal causal relationships and account for the emergent properties of complex systems? Academicians and military practitioners have debated the meaning and usefulness of the concept of "center of gravity" since Clausewitz introduced it in the early 19th century. To understand and apply the joint doctrine for operational design as described in "Joint Publication 5-0, Joint Operations Planning," the military must come to a consensus on the meaning, uses, and applicability of "center of gravity." So far, this consensus has not formed, and as time passes it appears even more elusive. With the U.S. Army currently undertaking a major reworking of its operational doctrine, an opportunity exists to clarify the concept and its practical application. Otherwise, the term could end up trapped in the same conceptual quagmire that led to the death of "Effects Based Operations" (EBO) as a joint doctrinal concept.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 23, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA589719
Entities
People
- Christopher M. Rowe
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College