This Is War!

In our February 2013 issue, we briefly discussed the late USAF Col. John Boyds famous OODA Loop, a decision-making process originally developed to assist fighter pilots in air combat training. We noted, Key to understanding and implementing the OODA Loop, according to Boyd, was the accuracy and rate with which we step through the decision-making process. If we fail to accurately assess our environment, we cant make effective decisions. If we fail to make those decisions quickly enough, external events will overtake us and also result in poor decisions. The OODA Loop is derived from the acronym formed by it's four basic steps: observation, orientation, decision and action.

Editorial Staff

Tuesday, November 25, 2014 at 12:00 AM ET

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Key Takeaways:

The OODA Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) is a four-step decision-making framework, originally for fighter pilots, that emphasizes accurate environmental assessment and rapid action.
Its effectiveness hinges on the precision and speed with which one cycles through its steps: collecting information, analyzing it to form a mental picture, making a decision, and implementing that decision.
The process is iterative, meaning actions are followed by renewed observation to continuously adapt and improve outcomes.
The article likens this strategic decision-making to principles found in Sun Tzu's "The Art of War," highlighting the skill of achieving victory through intelligent strategy.

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In our February 2013 issue, we briefly discussed the late USAF Col. John Boyds famous OODA Loop, a decision-making process originally developed to assist fighter pilots in air combat training. We noted, Key to understanding and implementing the OODA Loop, according to Boyd, was the accuracy and rate with which we step through the decision-making process. If we fail to accurately assess our environment, we cant make effective decisions. If we fail to make those decisions quickly enough, external events will overtake us and also result in poor decisions. The OODA Loop is derived from the acronym formed by it’s four basic steps: observation, orientation, decision and action. Theyre summarized below.

Of course, mastering the zen of flying isnt like going to war, although some may train it that way and opine that its you against the elements, or something else, and you must be victorious. If you subscribe to that opinion/philosophy, and it works for you, consider the three quotes in the text box at bottom. Theyre from The Art Of War, Sun Tzus classic text on military strategy. Theyre not at all unlike a zen-influenced koan, are they?