Vojenské Rozhledy

Czech Military Review

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 3/2008: 14-19

Centre of Gravity-the Decisive Operational Concept Part IMilitary art

Plk. gšt. Ing. Ján Spišák

The Centres of Gravity (COG) are characteristics, capabilities, or localities from which a military force derives its freedom of action, physical strength, or will to fight. The COG belongs among the most important operational concepts. It is the main source of power and strength. Without dermining enemy's COG we are not able to carry out any quick and resolute action, to reach ordered tasks, desired objectives. The primary purpose of this article is to offer basic information about this subject. This first part is concentrated predominantly to Carl von Clausewitz's ideas. The article especially aims on disunity and heterogeneity of comprehension of the COG theory in confrontation with contemporary doctrinal publications and original Clausewitz's theory. It highlights coherences that can affect fulfilling political and military objectives in current and future military operations.

Keywords: operational concept,operational planning,operational art,center of gravity

Published: September 15, 2008  Show citation

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Spišák, G.J. (2008). Centre of Gravity-the Decisive Operational Concept Part I. Czech Military Review89(3), 14-19
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