Page 230 - MDSL Final

MARITIME DOCTRINE OF SRI LANKA

Figure 11.2 - Intelligence Support to Mission Analysis 93

Centre of Gravity Analysis

Centre of Gravity (COG) is the source of power that provides moral or
physical strength, freedom of action, or will to act. The importance of
the COG concept in the NPP is that it is directly linked to courses of action
development. While COGs are critical strengths that actually accomplish
objectives at specific levels of war, courses of action should be focused
on defeating the adversary COG(s) and protecting the friendly COG(s)
that have been identified.

While primarily a strategic and operational level concern, the
identification of both the adversary and friendly COGs is an essential
element of any plan. If the staff gets this part wrong, the operation will
at best be inefficient and, at worst, end in failure.

210 To Nurture a Stable Environment at Sea