In military doctrine, what is referred to as the Center of Gravity (CoG)?

In military doctrine, the Center of Gravity (CoG) is defined as a source of power that provides moral and physical strength, making it crucial for the enemy's success or failure. This concept emphasizes that a CoG can include various aspects of combat power, such as leadership, resources, and morale. By focusing on the CoG, military leaders aim to identify and target the essential factors that, if disrupted, will significantly weaken the enemy's ability to operate effectively and achieve their objectives.

This understanding helps in formulating strategies and plans that center on undermining the enemy's strengths while protecting one’s own. By pinpointing the CoG, military operations can be more effectively aligned to achieve decisive outcomes in conflict. Thus, recognizing the CoG enables military planners to prioritize resources and efforts where they will have the most significant impact on the overall campaign.