In military operational art, the term for the source of power to be protected and attacked is what?

• A. Decisive Point
• B. Center of Gravity
• C. Critical Vulnerability
• D. Line of Operation

Answer: (B)

Center of gravity is the source of power, strength, and will that enables an opponent to wage war. In operational art, identifying the enemy’s center of gravity tells you what to protect and what to strike to erode their overall capability; attacking it and defending your own ensure the greatest impact on the fight. A decisive point refers to a crucial objective whose seizure yields a decisive effect, but it isn’t the fundamental source of power itself. A critical vulnerability is a weakness within the center of gravity you can exploit once you’ve identified the center, not the source of power. A line of operation is the route or axis of movement and action, not the power source.