I am not confident our nation’s leaders have a clue of what our country’s “Center of Gravity” (CoG) is and probably a great number of them don’t know what their own individual CoG is either. Because if they did, they would certainly change their practices.
If this is the first time you have ever been exposed to the military term “Center of Gravity” (CoG) then you will need to research and study it on your own for a full grasp of the concept. There is simply too much information about this topic for me to cover in one post. The simplest explanation, however, is that the CoG of something (anything) is where its “source of strength” originates.
Examples:
- The Green Lantern’s source of strength originates in his power ring. His ring is his CoG. (for all you comic book nerds out there).
- The Church’s source of strength originates in Jesus Christ. Christ (and his message) is the CoG for all Christians.
Being able to identify something’s CoG provides you with a target (as an opponent). A target that if disrupted will have maximum effect. It is where you can cause the most damage.
Being able to identify something’s CoG provides you with knowledge on where you are the most vulnerable (as a supporter). Identified vulnerabilities can then be protected fervently or mitigated. It is where you should mount your best defense.
The United States Military (USM) did not invent the concept of CoG as it relates to warfare or studying our enemies. But, the USM has been smart enough to include this concept and thinking into its Military Decision Making Process (MDMP), especially as it relates to combating terrorism.
The luminous mind that deserves credit for creating the CoG concept is Carl Von Clausewitz. Google him if you get bored or if you are hungry to learn about a brilliant individual whose theories on the psychological and political aspects of war are still being taught today.
So what is America’s CoG? Do we only have one? Is it our wealth, geographical location on the globe, our natural resources, our nuclear weapons, our constitution, our military men and women, or is it God?
It is an extremely heavy and hard question. There are many things that make this nation great (Trump may not agree with me). But what is it exactly that provides our country with such great strength?
Of course I would be very curious to hear anyone’s thoughts and theories on this matter.
I believe that America’s CoG starts and builds from the “Family-Unit.” I put family-unit in quotes because that term alone may have very different meanings to each individual. For me (and when I use the term), however, I am referring to the traditional definition of a primary social group; parents and children. Specifically a two parent led household. I would even be willing to stretch that definition to include extended family members that regularly interacted with each other (whether that be geographically or via other communication methods).
I will concede to all the critics out there that not every parental unit deserves credit. Some parents (or other family members) are down right deplorable people. However, on a general scale, it is our family members (not nationally known people) that have (and rightfully so) the most influence on who we are or what we become as adult citizens.
-CWS