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The OODA “Loop”Sketch

Note how orientation shapes observation, shapes decision, shapes action, and in turn is shaped by the feedback and other phenomena coming into our sensing or observing window.

Also note how the entire “loop” (not just orientation) is an ongoing many-sided implicit cross-referencing process of projection, empathy, correlation, and rejection.

Note how orientation shapes observation, shapes decision, shapes action, and in turn is shaped by the feedback and other phenomena coming into our sensing or observing window.

Also note how the entire “loop” (not just orientation) is an ongoing many-sided implicit cross-referencing process of projection, empathy, correlation, and rejection.

FeedForward

Observations Decision(Hypothesis)

Action(Test)

CulturalTraditions

GeneticHeritage

NewInformation Previous

Experience

Analyses &Synthesis

FeedForward

FeedForward

ImplicitGuidance& Control

ImplicitGuidance& Control

UnfoldingInteraction

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UnfoldingCircumstances

Observe Orient Decide Act

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Competitive advantage comes from quickness over the entire “loop,” not just or even primarily from the O-to-O-to-D-to-A sequence.

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Pumping up OODA “Loop” Speed

ImplicitGuidance& Control

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“Interaction permits vitality and growth, while isolation leads to decay and disintegration.” Strategic Game, 29.

“Orientation is the Schwerpunkt.” Organic Design, 16.

“Emphasize implicit over explicit in order to gain a favorable mismatch in friction and time.” Organic Design, 22.

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Sometimes, You Just Have to Make a Decision

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Observations Decision(Hypothesis)

Action(Test)

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Observe Orient Decide Act

Make (explicit) decisions when you need to harmonize the actions of groups of people, i.e., to re-orient them to a new goal or purpose.

However:

•Until they reorient, their actions will still be influenced by their implicit guidance and controls

•Decision making and reorientation always take time

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Operating Inside Their OODA Loop

“It’s like they’re moving in slow motion.” — Boyd describing “operating inside opponents’ OODA loops.”

“It’s like you’re commanding both sides.” — typical impression of a successful cheng / ch’i operation. [cheng - “orthodox, expected,” while ch’i - “unorthodox, shocking, irregular.” By operating inside an opponent’s OODA loop, you will find it much easier to set up and exploit cheng / ch’i situations.]

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Boyd’s OODA “Loop”Sketch

Note how orientation shapes observation, shapes decision, shapes action, and in turn is shaped by the feedback and other phenomena coming into our sensing or observing window.

Also note how the entire “loop” (not just orientation) is an ongoing many-sided implicit cross-referencing process of projection, empathy, correlation, and rejection.

From “The Essence of Winning and Losing,” John R. Boyd, January 1996.

Note how orientation shapes observation, shapes decision, shapes action, and in turn is shaped by the feedback and other phenomena coming into our sensing or observing window.

Also note how the entire “loop” (not just orientation) is an ongoing many-sided implicit cross-referencing process of projection, empathy, correlation, and rejection.

From “The Essence of Winning and Losing,” John R. Boyd, January 1996.

FeedForward

Observations Decision(Hypothesis)

Action(Test)

CulturalTraditions

GeneticHeritage

NewInformation Previous

Experience

Analyses &Synthesis

FeedForward

FeedForward

ImplicitGuidance& Control

ImplicitGuidance& Control

UnfoldingInteraction

WithEnvironmentUnfolding

InteractionWith

Environment Feedback

Feedback

OutsideInformation

UnfoldingCircumstances

Observe Orient Decide Act

Defense and the National Interest, http://www.d-n-i.net, 2001

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Boyd’s OODA “Loop”

Note how orientation shapes observation, shapes decision, shapes action, and in turn is shaped by the feedback and other phenomena coming into our sensing or observing window.

Also note how the entire “loop” (not just orientation) is an ongoing many-sided implicit cross-referencing process of projection, empathy, correlation, and rejection.

From “The Essence of Winning and Losing,” John R. Boyd, January 1996.

Note how orientation shapes observation, shapes decision, shapes action, and in turn is shaped by the feedback and other phenomena coming into our sensing or observing window.

Also note how the entire “loop” (not just orientation) is an ongoing many-sided implicit cross-referencing process of projection, empathy, correlation, and rejection.

From “The Essence of Winning and Losing,” John R. Boyd, January 1996.

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ForwardObservations Decision

(Hypothesis)Action(Test)

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ImplicitGuidance& Control

ImplicitGuidance& Control

UnfoldingInteraction

WithEnvironmentUnfolding

InteractionWith

Environment Feedback

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ObserveObserveObserveObserve OrientOrientOrientOrient DecideDecideDecideDecide ActActActAct

Defense and the National Interest, http://www.d-n-i.net, 2001

CulturalTraditions

Analyses &

Synthesis

PreviousExperience

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OODA Loop Colour

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‘Evolved’ OODA LOOP (Peter Hermann)

Note how orientation shapes observation, shapes decision, shapes action, and in turn is shaped by the feedback and other phenomena coming into our sensing or observing window.

Also note how the entire “loop” (not just orientation) is an ongoing many-sided cross-referencing process.

Note how orientation shapes observation, shapes decision, shapes action, and in turn is shaped by the feedback and other phenomena coming into our sensing or observing window.

Also note how the entire “loop” (not just orientation) is an ongoing many-sided cross-referencing process.

Feed

ForwardObservations Decision

(Hypothesis) Action(Test)

FeedForward

FeedForward

ImplicitGuidance& Control

ImplicitGuidance& Control

UnfoldingInteraction

WithEnvironmentUnfolding

InteractionWith

EnvironmentFeedback

Feedback

OutsideInformation

UnfoldingCircumstances

ObservationObservationObservationObservation OrientationOrientationOrientationOrientation DecisionDecisionDecisionDecision ActionActionActionAction

Values, Culture &Traditions

ThinkingProcesses

PreviousExperience

NewInformation

Genetics &

Physiology

SignificantRelationships

Schwerpunkt / TelosSchwerpunkt / TelosSchwerpunkt / TelosSchwerpunkt / Telos

(Purpose / Goal)(Purpose / Goal)(Purpose / Goal)(Purpose / Goal)