What does OODA Loop Mean?

Created by military strategist John Boyd, OODA loop is a decision making concept that focuses on observing available information, orienting those observations into context, and quickly making the most appropriate decision while also understanding that following decisions can be made with created actions.

O-O-D-A is a linear tactical thinking framework that stands for Observe, Orient, Decide, Act. The key to the OODA loop is to develop a fingertip feel, or Fingerspitzengefühl in German, of a given situation.

OODA Loop helps quickly develop a leader’s instinctive and intuitive sense of what is going on or what is needed in a battle or any conflict. The fingertip feel (to “observe” and “act” simultaneously) comes from a deep intuitive understanding of one’s relationship to the rapidly changing environment. A commander can use this temporal discrepancy to select the least-expected action rather than what is predicted to be the most-effective action. To take the least-expected action disorients the adversary or situation.

When Observing a situation, we need to understand what are the unfolding circumstances, outside information, and interactions with the environment that exist. This information quickly moves us forward to orienting ourselves to the situation, which means analyzing and synthesizing cultural traditions, genetic heritage, new information, and previous experiences. From these observations and orientations, we can quickly make a decision and act, which may unfold more information for us to observe and orient with again.

From a fighter pilot’s perspective like Boyd’s, thinking about operating at a quicker tempo - not just moving faster - than the adversary was a new concept in engagements. Generating a rapidly changing environment - that is, engaging in activity that is so quick it is disorienting and appears uncertain or ambiguous to the enemy - inhibits the adversary’s ability to adapt and causes confusion and disorder that, in turn, causes an adversary to overreact or underreact.

It is important to note some qualities of OODA Loop, which include variety, rapidity, harmony, and initiative. A leader must have a series of responses that can be applied rapidly; he must harmonize his efforts and never be passive.