A concept at the crossroads : rethinking the center of gravity / Rudolph M. Janiczek.

Format:

Book

Government document

Author/Creator:

Janiczek, Rudolph M.

Contributor:

Army War College (U.S.). Strategic Studies Institute

Series:

Carlisle papers in security strategy

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Clausewitz, Carl von, 1780-1831--Influence.

Clausewitz, Carl von.

Clausewitz, Carl von, 1780-1831.

Center of gravity (Military science).

Military doctrine--United States--Evaluation.

Military doctrine.

Strategy--Evaluation.

Strategy.

Military planning--United States--Evaluation.

Military planning.

Influence (Literary, artistic, etc.).

Military planning--Evaluation.

United States.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (v, 12 pages).

Other Title:

Rethinking the center of gravity

Place of Publication:

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

Summary:

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.

Contents:

Introduction

Interpretation of an enduring metaphor

Evolutionary signposts

Introspect

The crossroads

Conclusion.

Notes:

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

"October 2007."

Includes bibliographical references (pages 10-12).

Electronic reproduction. [Place of publication not identified]: HathiTrust Digital Library. 2023.

Other Format:

Print version: Janiczek, Rudolph M. Concept at the crossroads.

ISBN:

1584873221

9781584873228

OCLC:

180853187

Access Restriction:

Use copy Restrictions unspecified