IRAQ - An Insurgency Collage: Does Center Of Gravity Still Apply

摘要

Without a continuous Center of Gravity analysis, not only prior to commencing operations, but throughout the course of a given conflict, the ultimate success and achievement of national strategic objectives will be in serious jeopardy. The determination of the enemy's Center of Gravity has typically been utilized in a conventional war setting against one enemy or coalition. Insurgencies present a very different set of problems however, both to the war fighter and policy maker, and by nature, do not follow the same set of rules. The current situation in Iraq is unique in that it is wrought with multiple insurgency groups (global, regional, tribal, religious, nationalist and foreign) that have varying agendas and loyalties. In such an environment, a Center of Gravity approach may be viewed with skepticism. True, the search for a Center of Gravity becomes complicated in this situation causing some to dismiss it altogether however, the fact that there are several insurgent groups with various characteristics means that there are differences that can be exploited. Using the insurgency in Iraq, potentially the most complex insurgency the United States has had to face, this paper will demonstrate that a Center of Gravity study is not only valid but crucial, and can be used to identify a set of focused operational objectives and lines of operation. This is an essential task and function not only for the military operational commander but also for the civilian policy maker who sets the national strategic objectives.