Center of Gravity and Military Tactics

Introduction

The concept of the "center of gravity" (CoG) in military tactics, originally introduced by Carl von Clausewitz, is a fundamental yet often debated element in military strategy and planning. It refers to the source of power that provides moral or physical strength, freedom of action, or will to act. This synthesis explores the various interpretations and applications of the CoG concept across different military branches and contexts, as well as its relevance and utility in modern warfare.

Key Insights

Clausewitz's Original Concept and Its Misinterpretation:
- Clausewitz's CoG is often misunderstood and misapplied, particularly at the tactical level. He intended it to be used at the strategic and operational levels, not the tactical level .
Service-Specific Interpretations:
- The U.S. Marine Corps initially equated CoGs with key vulnerabilities but now views them as important sources of strength .
- The U.S. Air Force sees CoGs as multiple strategic and operational critical points that can be targeted with airpower .
- The U.S. Army views the enemy’s CoG as a single source of strength, typically the principal capability that stands in the way of achieving its objectives .
Application in Low Intensity Conflicts:
- In low-intensity conflicts, the CoG concept helps link strategic goals to operational maneuvers, focusing on characteristics that, if attacked, can rapidly degrade the enemy's cohesion, will, and morale.
Insurgency Context:
- Contrary to popular belief, the people are not the CoG in an insurgency; rather, the cause of the insurgency is the true strategic CoG. The operational CoG is the insurgency's administrative organization, which links the strategic and tactical levels.
Practical Application and Challenges:
- The CoG concept is crucial for campaign planning, but its determination process is often seen as more art than science. A structured method involving strategic frameworks (ends, ways, means) can improve CoG analysis and application .
Case Studies and Historical Context:
- Historical operations, such as the 1st Marine Division in OPERATION CHROMITE and the 24th Infantry Division during OPERATION DESERT STORM, demonstrate the utility of CoG at the operational level, though not at the tactical level.
- The first phase of the Russian invasion of Ukraine highlighted the CoG as the Russian army-sized combat group, with logistics being a critical vulnerability.

Conclusion

The center of gravity concept remains a pivotal yet complex element in military strategy. While Clausewitz's original intent was for CoG to be applied at strategic and operational levels, various military branches have adapted the concept to fit their unique doctrines and operational needs. The U.S. Marine Corps, Air Force, and Army each have distinct interpretations and applications of CoG, reflecting their different roles and strategic priorities. In low-intensity conflicts and insurgencies, understanding the true CoG—whether it be the cause, organizational structure, or other elements—is essential for effective strategy and planning. Despite its challenges, a structured approach to CoG analysis can significantly enhance military planning and execution.

Center of Gravity and Military Tactics

Summary

Introduction

Key Insights

Conclusion

Sources and full results

The Tactical Center of Gravity: Fact or Fallacy?

Clausewitz's center of gravity analogy was never intended for use at the tactical level of war, and revisions are needed to restrict its use to strategic and operational levels.

Clausewitz’s Center of Gravity

The center of gravity concept has been redefined by the U.S. military, with the Marine Corps now distinguishing between enemy strengths and vulnerabilities, the Air Force targeting multiple strategic and operational critical points, and the Army focusing on a single center of gravity.

Clausewitz's Center of Gravity: It's Not What We Thought

The center of gravity concept has been redefined by the U.S. military, with the Marine Corps now considering it as "any important sources of strength," while the Air Force views it as multiple strategic and operational critical points to attack.

Center of Gravity: The Critical Link in Strategic Planning for Low Intensity Conflict

The concept of center of gravity is crucial in Low Intensity Conflict planning, linking strategic goals to operational maneuver, and identifying vital characteristics that can cause rapid cohesion, will, and morale deterioration in the enemy.

We the People Are Not THE CENTER OF GRAVITY in an Insurgency

An insurgency's true strategic center of gravity is its cause, not its people, and its administrative organization plays a crucial role in linking the insurgency at strategic and tactical levels.

Centre of Gravity: From Theoretical Baseline to the Practical Application of the Concept

The centre of gravity concept is relevant and useful in military operations, as demonstrated by its application in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, where the combat group was the center of gravity and logistics vulnerability.

A Logical Method for Center-of-Gravity Analysis

This paper proposes a logical and disciplined method for center-of-gravity analysis, linking it to the strategic framework and clear terminology, to improve military planning and enhance strategic decision-making.

Center of Gravity Analysis

A simple definition and framework for identifying strategic centers of gravity is crucial for military planners to effectively achieve military objectives.

An Air Campaign for a Second Korean War: A Strategy for Attacking the Centers of Gravity

An air campaign targeting North Korea's strategic, operational, and tactical centers of gravity can help end a future conflict on favorable terms.

Center of Gravity: Determination, Analysis, and Application

This study provides a simple, robust, and flexible model for determining the center of gravity of any entity or actor, friendly or enemy, for effective planning and execution of military campaigns.

Try another search