Record Nr.

UNINA9910694329803321

Autore

Janiczek Rudolph M

Titolo

A concept at the crossroads [[electronic resource] ] : rethinking the center of gravity / / Rudolph M. Janiczek

Pubbl/distr/stampa


Carlisle, PA : , : Strategic Studies Institute, U.S. Army War College, , [2007]

Descrizione fisica

v, 12 pages : digital, PDF file

Collana

Carlisle papers in security strategy

Soggetti

Military doctrine - United States - Evaluation

Strategy - Evaluation

Military planning - United States - Evaluation

Lingua di pubblicazione

Inglese

Formato

Materiale a stampa

Livello bibliografico

Monografia

Note generali

Title from title screen (viewed on Oct. 30, 2007).

"October 2007."

Nota di bibliografia

Includes bibliographical references (pages 10-12).

Nota di contenuto

Introduction -- Interpretation of an enduring metaphor -- Evolutionary signposts -- Introspect -- The crossroads -- Conclusion.

Sommario/riassunto

Since the 1980s, the US military has placed great emphasis on the theories and concepts of Clausewitz. Concomitantly, a tremendous emphasis has been placed in doctrine on the consideration of a center of gravity (COG) as a central element of campaign planning. The doctrinal definitions of the COG are still imperfect, but the concept arguably serves as an effective tool for focusing military effort to win decisively in major operations or campaigns. Although the American military performs brilliantly in decisive operations, the difficulties it has faced in Iraq and Afghanistan suggest that a doctrinal renaissance is in order. This paper examines the potential for employing the COG concept in areas beyond the realm of decisive operations. After examining the concept's evolution, present doctrinal manifestations, and some previous proposals for future employment, the author opines that the COG's role in American military thinking is flawed and must be reconsidered entirely. To that end, three options are offered for evolving the COG, with a specific recommendation that it would be most effective if removed from doctrine and considered as an abstract concept, rather than a practical one.