Accession Number:

ADA603813

Title:

Alternatives to Center of Gravity Analysis

Descriptive Note:

Master's thesis

Corporate Author:

MARINE CORPS COMMAND AND STAFF COLL QUANTICO VA

Personal Author(s):

• Kayser, Henry H.

Report Date:

2013-04-04

Pagination or Media Count:

42.0

Abstract:

Clausewitz tells us that war is like business and the duel between two rivals is for supremacy. Understanding that war and business are non-linear systems or complex problems, simple solutions are not the answer. Businesses, both local and multi-national, utilize strategic management tools SMTs to identify their rivals strengths and weaknesses, their industrys potential growth, and the market s ability to accept another product or produce acceptable returns on investment. Businesses face similar uncertainty in their analysis of the markets they participate, their battlefield. Utilizing business strategic management tools will provide better clarity in understanding our rivals in the current operating environment versus solely using Center of Gravity COG analysis. The shared context between war and business will provide a new perspective in how the military identifies problems and root causes. It may also allow the military to identify potentially undesirable second and third order effects. The utilization of SMTs are not to replace COG analysis, but assist in helping define the problems and help develop CCs, CRs and CVs both friendly and enemy.

Descriptors:

• *MILITARY STRATEGY
• CENTER OF GRAVITY
• COMMERCE
• DEFENSE INDUSTRY
• ENEMY
• INVESTMENTS
• UNCERTAINTY

Subject Categories:

• Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE