Protection of Civilians Military Reference Guide
vulnerabilities and threats , as well as the role of different actors in reducing PoC concerns . With such an understanding , units can dissuade actors from becoming adversaries or performing other negative roles , mitigate vulnerabilities , and encourage more actors to perform positive functions . Some actors such as parties to a conflict and state authorities will have formal legal obligations to protect civilians in accordance with LOAC / IHL or international human rights law .
How the Task is Accomplished
Like the previous task , understanding of actors is a continual effort . Unit staffs identify relevant stakeholders , such as those described above , and to the extent possible categorize them with respect to PoC . These categorizations are not necessarily fixed . For example , an actor may change its inclination or may simultaneously fall into more than one category . Prior to a mission , it may be difficult to determine how best to consider an actor or understand how different actors may use violence in different ways . Units should recognize that new actors may emerge , and the tendencies of some actors may change ( for example , today ’ s “ bystander ” could in the future become vulnerable , adversarial , a negative actor , or a positive actor ).
CRITICAL FACTORS
A “ critical factors analysis ” can provide useful insights regarding the actors . Staffs should understand the following critical factors , particularly as they relate to PoC . Potential critical factors are summarized in Figure 2-2 , and are defined as follows : 18
a . Centers of Gravity . Primary sources of physical or moral strength , power , and resistance . A COG is the strength that offers resistance and strikes effective ( or heavy ) physical or moral blows . At the strategic level , centers of gravity usually are the leadership and / or the population ’ s determination to prevail . At operational and tactical levels , they are often specific military forces .
b . Critical Capabilities . Primary abilities which merit a Center of Gravity to be identified as such in the context of a given scenario , situation , or mission . Critical capabilities are the significant actions ( stated as verbs ) that a COG can take in the context of the situation and mission .
c . Critical Requirements . Essential conditions , resources , and means for a center of gravity to achieve its critical capability . Critical requirements can include a variety of elements such as good weather , intelligence , logistics , communications , mobility , achievements by other actors , legitimacy , and domestic or international support . Critical requirements also may include goals that motivate an actor ’ s behavior .
d . Critical Vulnerabilities . Critical requirements , or components thereof , that are deficient or vulnerable to neutralization or defeat in a way that will contribute to a center of gravity failing
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Definitions are derived from Joe Strange , Centers of Gravity & Critical Vulnerabilities : Building on the Clausewitzian Foundation So that We Can All Speak the Same Language , Second Edition ( Quantico , VA : Marine Corps University , 1996 ), 3 ; Joe Strange and Richard Iron , Understanding Centers of Gravity and Critical Vulnerabilities ( Stockholm : Department of War Studies , Swedish National Defence College , 2005 ); and JP 5-0 Joint Operation Planning ( Washington , DC : Joint Chiefs of Staff , 16 June 2017 ).
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