Center of Gravity and the Range of Military Operations: Can An Old Dog Apply to New Tricks

摘要

The Clausewitzian 'center of gravity' is a fixture in US military culture. Joint doctrine goes so far as to mandate its use when planning operations and campaigns across the full range of military operations (ROMO). Despite this, analysis of the term indicates it is neither properly defined nor universally accepted. This paper details the construct's current definition(s) and application and briefly explains the full range of military operations. It then attempts to validate objectively the underpinnings of Clausewitz's principle -- to include Schwerpunkt, or 'focus of effort,' which is his original term for the principle -- across ROMO. Finally, the paper draws conclusions about the principle's current value and offers two recommendations to enhance future operational joint, and interagency, planning.