What is a strategic center of gravity?
“The center of gravity of an armed force refers to those sources of strength or balance. It is that characteristic, capability, or locality from which the force derives its freedom of action, physical strength, or will to fight. Clausewitz defined it as ‘the hub of all power and movement, on which everything depends.
What does Clausewitz say about the center of gravity?
A center of gravity is the one element within a combatant’s entire structure or system that has the necessary centripetal force to hold that structure together. This is why Clausewitz wrote that a blow directed against a center of gravity will have the greatest effect.
What is Clausewitz Trinity?
Clausewitz’s Trinity Clausewitz argues that war is a phe- nomenon consisting of three central elements or dominant tendencies. This triad, or trinity, is a paradoxical relationship “composed of primordial violence, hatred, and enmity . . .
What is the strategic center of gravity of Iran?
This article is about the strategic center of gravity of Hezbollah; Hezbollah is one of the toughest, and persistent semi-state actors. The author claims that Hezbollah’s state-sponsorship by the Islamic Republic of Iran is its strategic center of gravity (CoG).
What is a decisive point in war?
The decisive point of an operation is a “geographic place, specific key event, critical factor, or function that, when acted upon, allows commanders to gain a marked advantage over an adversary or contribute materially to achieving success.”3 During conventional operations, decisive points are typically enemy locations …
What are the five screening criteria which course of actions must meet?
There are five fundamental issues that must be considered when developing COAs. A valid COA should be suitable, feasible, acceptable, distinguishable and complete [1].
What is center of gravity intelligence?
A center of gravity (COG) is a source of power that provides moral or physical strength, freedom of action, or will to act. 1 Analyzing COGs provides a means of focusing friendly efforts, both offensively and defensively. There are a number of tools and techniques available to identify and analyze COGs.
Why is Clausewitz important?
2. Why is he so famous? Clausewitz’s fame is largely due to the importance and influence of his magnum opus, On War, unquestionably the most important single work ever written on the theory of warfare and of strategy, although both the book and its impact have been interpreted and misinterpreted in wildly varying ways.
What are the 3 dimensions of war according to Clausewitz?
War has an enduring nature that demonstrates four continuities: a political dimension, a human dimension, the existence of uncertainty and that it is a contest of wills. Clausewitz, author of the most comprehensive theory of war, provided a description of war’s enduring nature in the opening chapter of On War.
What is the center of gravity for an insurgency?
An insurgency’s true strategic center of gravity is its cause. Military thinkers and planners often identify the people as the cog in an insurgency because the people represent a tangible target against which the elements of national power, particularly military power, can be applied and their effectiveness measured.
What is the relationship between centers of gravity and decisive points?
The decisive points are based on the centers of gravity and the analysis of the centers of gravity. In essence, they form the best path to attack and defeat the enemy. They take advantage of his weaknesses and vulnerabilities to get at his strength. Weakness and vulnerable are relative terms.
What is a line of effort?
A line of effort can be defined as a line that “links multiple tasks and missions using the logic of purpose—cause and effect—to focus efforts toward establishing operational and strategic conditions.” This term is mainly used in the military vocabulary of the United States.
What are the eight principles of sustainment?
In this article, we introduce a mnemonic to help users remember the sustainment principles of anticipation, continuity, responsiveness, integration, simplicity, improvisation, survivability, and economy.
What is an execution matrix?
The execution matrix, a tool that can help the commander to complete and execute the plan, shows the most critical tasks or events of the operation in a matrix format. The commander can use it to supplement his formal OPORD as well as to assist him during the conduct of a mission.
What is centre of gravity with example?
The definition of center of gravity is the place in a system or body where the weight is evenly dispersed and all sides are in balance. An example of center of gravity is the middle of a seesaw. noun.
What is Clausewitz strategy?
Carl von Clausewitz. Strategy is about picking the right battles. Tactics are about successfully executing those battles. Strategy is concerned with defining an overall purpose and priorities. It is holistic.
What did Carl von Clausewitz believe?
Clausewitz introduced systematic philosophical contemplation into Western military thinking, with powerful implications not only for historical and analytical writing but also for practical policy, military instruction, and operational planning.
Is Clausewitz still relevant?
In a contemporary context, this philosophy is very much relevant. Clausewitz’s philosophies are as relevant in the 21st century as they were in in the 18th and 19th centuries. Perhaps one can argue that they are more relevant today due to the complexi es associated with warfare.
What is the difference between the center of mass and the center of gravity?
Centre of mass is the point at which the distribution of mass is equal in all directions and does not depend on gravitational field. Centre of gravity is the point at which the distribution of weight is equal in all directions and it does depend on gravitational field.
Where is the center of gravity?
Your center of gravity is the balance point in your body. It’s the point at which your upper and lower body weight is balanced. Typically, this is just below the belly button and half way between the lower back and belly when a woman is standing upright. For a man, it is slightly above the belly button.
How does the concept of decisive victory relate to the writings of Clausewitz?
In his book On War (Vom Kriege), Carl von Clausewitz stated a decisive victory “is to throw [an] opponent in order to make him incapable of further resistance. War is thus an act of force to compel our enemy to do our will.” He wrote that, to cripple an enemy, a general must find that enemy’s “center of gravity”.
What are some of the best humanitarian quotes?
The following humanitarian quotes are from well-known humanitarians who shared their wisdom for helping others. 1. “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
Who are the most inspirational people on World Humanitarian Day?
This is the basic premise behind World Humanitarian Day’s campaign to turn words into aid for those in need. In celebration, we have selected seven of the world’s most influential and giving humanitarians and their most inspirational quotes about life – reflecting their dedication to universal kindness and justice. 1. MAHATMA GANDHI
What is the World Humanitarian Day campaign about?
This is the basic premise behind World Humanitarian Day’s campaign to turn words into aid for those in need. In celebration, we have selected seven of the world’s most influential and giving humanitarians and their most inspirational quotes about life – reflecting their dedication to universal kindness and justice.