Centers of Gravity in OOTW: A Useful Tool or Just a Black Hole?

Abstract

Abstract : Current U.S. military doctrine identifies the center of gravity (COG) as one of the key elements in theater and operational design planning. Since Karl von Clausewitz formalized the COG concept in On War, military planners have used it as a focal point.This monograph examines the evolution of the COG concept and its utility in contemporary Operations Other Than War (OOTW) planning. COG theory, sources and instruments of national power, and their relationship to OOTW, lay the foundation for defining the COG's relationship to national power. Three OOTW historical case studies follow: Lebanon, 1958; Dominican Republic, 1965; and Haiti, 1994; They provide lessons on successful application of the centers of gravity. Matrices are developed to visually relate the centers, sources, and instruments of national power. The monograph concludes that while the centers of gravity are not an OOTW panacea, they are a useful planning tool. Understanding this concept enables planners to examine the levels of war associated with the instruments of national power, and develop options for a successful campaign. In particular, by developing a COG matrix, planners can focus national resources to attack the opponent's COG, while protecting their own COG and anticipating the resulting operational branches and sequels.