OODA Loop: Decision-Making in Personal Defense

[Crow BarKeymaster]

We were taught this in the Marines, but not necessarily as just for combat, but it can apply in other applications, like life.

There are a few other assessment cycles that can be added, but I dont want to confuse the issue.

https://www.shootingillustrated.com/articles/2018/12/3/ooda-loop-decision-making-in-personal-defense/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=insider&utm_campaign=1218

[Anonymous]

The ooda-loop was invented by John Boyd, a former fighter pilot. His biography is fascinating!

[WhirlibirdParticipant]

The easiest way to illustrate the OODA loop is to explain it in relation to driving.

And people do that without thinking about it eventually.

[James MitchnerParticipant]

The Fire Service uses much the same progression in moving from observation to action except it isn’t referred to as the OODA loop.  Its more informal and formal decision making.  If you had been to dozens of fires in structures of the same type construction then you know how the fire will behave and can move from orientation straight to action.   Fires in the old Queen Ann type construction where no fire stops were used, allowing a basement fire to communicate straight up to the attic by traveling up inside the non-fire stopped walls would be an example.  A more complicated structure would require more diligence and formal decision making (Decide) to identify the best course of action.

[ephemeralParticipant]

Thanks Crow Bar, interesting subject matter. It is not new, but it is helpful that people understand these things.

Something to consider, if the enemy understands your culture, how you think, how you value things, he can anticipate how you will react utilizing the ooda-loop strategy, and thereby set an effective trap.

I have observed how law enforcement reacts to various situations, with little variation, and patterns of behavior emerge as to law enforcement culture, how they think, react, the hierarchy of value to them. I could imagine someone so inclined could attempt a much more exacting study with evil intent, and easily create deadly traps in given scenarios. I would think that military leaders should inform themselves, as much as possible, concerning the possible opponent’s culture, in all its aspects, for just this reason.

The ooda-loop is useful to understand, as a beginning.

[Crow BarKeymaster]

I would think that military leaders should inform themselves, as much as possible, concerning the possible opponent’s culture, in all its aspects, for just this reason.

We do.
Or the smart ones who listen to the 2 shop do.

[Author]

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