02888nam 2200457 a 450 991069432980332120071107103936.0(CKB)5470000002362758(OCoLC)180853187(EXLCZ)99547000000236275820071107d2007 ua 0engurmn|||||||||txtrdacontentcrdamediacrrdacarrierA concept at the crossroads[electronic resource] rethinking the center of gravity /Rudolph M. JaniczekCarlisle, PA :Strategic Studies Institute, U.S. Army War College,[2007]v, 12 pages digital, PDF fileCarlisle papers in security strategyTitle from title screen (viewed on Oct. 30, 2007)."October 2007."1-58487-322-1 Includes bibliographical references (pages 10-12).Introduction -- Interpretation of an enduring metaphor -- Evolutionary signposts -- Introspect -- The crossroads -- Conclusion.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.Concept at the crossroads Military doctrineUnited StatesEvaluationStrategyEvaluationMilitary planningUnited StatesEvaluationMilitary doctrineEvaluation.StrategyEvaluation.Military planningEvaluation.Janiczek Rudolph M1421688Army War College (U.S.).Strategic Studies Institute.GPOGPOBOOK9910694329803321A concept at the crossroads3543682UNINA