JP 511(L) - Center of Gravity Analysis

Thesis: The campaign plan must be more than an assembly of disparate actions. It is a systematic series of operations to achieve specific effects. Achieving these effects means determining what elements of the opponent’s system to affect, as well as determining what critical elements of the friendly system to protect. Identifying Centers of Gravity (COG) is an important analytical process that involves both art and science. If correctly identified, affecting the adversary’s COG is the most direct means of achieving the Joint Force Commander’s (JFC’s) objectives.