OODA

OODA loop (Observe–Orient–Decide–Act) is a decision‑making framework developed by United States Air Force Colonel John Boyd. It describes a recurring four‑step cycle through which individuals and organizations observe the environment, orient themselves to it, decide on a course of action, and act. The concept originated from Boyd’s analysis of air combat and has since been applied in military strategy, business, sports, and other fields.

Observe refers to collecting information from sensors, analysts, allies, and direct feedback. Orient involves synthesizing data into a working mental model, considering cultural traditions, previous experiences, new information, and potential biases. Decide is the selection of a course of action from available options, and Act is the implementation of that choice followed by rapid observation of the results. The cycle then repeats, ideally at increasing tempo to outpace adversaries and disrupt their decision cycles.

The OODA loop emphasizes speed and adaptability: faster iteration can create confusion or hesitation in opponents, while thoroughness remains important to avoid errors. It also highlights the role of situational awareness, deception, and initiative in shaping outcomes.

Applications include military planning and aerial combat, competitive business strategy, negotiation, cybersecurity, and sports coaching. Critics point out that the model can oversimplify real decision environments, assumes access to reliable information, and may favor speed over accuracy or blind complexity. Nevertheless, it remains a widely cited heuristic for understanding decision making under pressure and dynamic environments.