EBO Centers of Gravity Analysis

The first challenge faced in planning Effects-Based Operations is to understand the "Battlespace Network" - the network of Centers of Gravity (COGs) and system elements and relationships that define the operational environment. Today, the description of the battlespace network is limited to bits and pieces of relevant information distributed across a diverse range of information sources. The challenge is to turn this diverse body of information into an integrated picture in order to help the user to focus on key elements and dependencies that present opportunities to generate desired effects. Recent research has broken ground on tools that can address this challenge, giving the user the ability to build a visual and machine-readable model of the important elements and relationships that must inform Effects-Based planning decisions. ISX proposes an 18-month program of research and development that will deliver a highly capable prototype based on powerful, maturing technologies that is more than just another planning tool, but in fact an engine for developing a model of the battlespace network that can be leveraged by any and all planning tools.