JP 509(S) - Center of Gravity, Decisive Point, Lines of Operation...

Thesis: This seminar will focus on a discussion of the criticality of operational design and the development of the initial operation approach. It will build directly on the lecture from JP 506- COG Analysis by giving students further exposure to the role COGs play in planning and how they help lead planners to identifying DPs. DPs help planners identify key geographic places, events, or critical factors that when acted upon, allow commanders to gain a marked advantage over an adversary. This seminar will focus on how important it is for planners to identify DPs in order to properly synchronize activities within phases along complementary LOO/LOEs to achieve the desired end state. The conclusion of this seminar will introduce the concept of a Cognitive Map which serves to fuse the elements of operational design into a visual representation of the initial operational approach and becomes the basis for future COA development.