The OODA Loop Sketch

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Observe
Unfolding Circumstances Implicit Guidance & Control

Orient
Cultural Traditions

Decide
Implicit Guidance & Control

Act

Observations

Feed Forward

Genetic Heritage

Analyses & Synthesis

Feed Forward

Decision (Hypothesis)

Feed Forward

Action (Test)
Unfolding Interaction With Environment

Outside Information Unfolding Interaction With Environment

New Information

Previous Experience

Feedback Feedback

Note how orientation shapes observation, shapes decision, shapes action, and in turn is shaped by the 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. 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 Also note how the entire loop (not just orientation) is an ongoing many-sided implicit cross-referencing process of projection, empathy, correlation, and rejection. process of projection, empathy, correlation, and rejection.

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

Observe
Unfolding Circumstances Implicit Guidance & Control Genetic Heritage

Orient
Cultural Traditions

Decide
Implicit Guidance & Control

Act

Observations
Feed Forward
Outside Information Unfolding Interaction With Environment

Analyses & Synthesis

Action (Test)
Unfolding Interaction With Environment

New Information

Previous Experience

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. Interaction permits vitality and growth, while isolation leads to decay and disintegration. Strategic Game, 29.
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Sometimes, You Just Have to Make a Decision

Observe
Unfolding Circumstances Implicit Guidance & Control Genetic Heritage

Orient
Cultural Traditions

Decide
Implicit Guidance & Control

Act

Observations
Feed Forward
Outside Information Unfolding Interaction With Environment

Analyses & Synthesis

Feed Forward

Decision (Hypothesis)

Feed Forward

Action (Test)
Unfolding Interaction With Environment

New Information

Previous Experience

Feedback

Explicit decisions are needed when no effective action is available via the implicit link, such as when training or experimenting. However: Actions will still be influenced by (existing) implicit guidance and controls until these are reset by learning Explicit decision making and reorientation (learning) always take time

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2006 Kettle Creek Corporation

Operating Inside Their OODA Loops

Definition:
Changing the situation more rapidly than the other side can
comprehend.

Typical effects:
Its like theyre moving in slow motion. Boyd describing
operating inside opponents OODA loops. Its like youre commanding both sides. Common impression of a successful cheng / chi operation. [cheng orthodox, expected, while chi - unorthodox, unexpected, shocking. By operating inside an opponents OODA loop, you will find it much easier to set up and exploit cheng / chi situations.]
For other typical and intended effects, please refer to Patterns of Conflict, chart 132, available at: http://www.d-n-i.net/second_level/boyd_military.htm#discourse
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What OODA loop speed really means

Quickly understand whats going on Observe
Unfolding Circumstances Implicit Guidance & Control

Know what to do Orient Decide

Implicit Guidance & Control

And be able to do it Act

Observations

Feed Forward

Feed Forward

Decision (Hypothesis)

Feed Forward

Action (Test)
Unfolding Interaction With Environment

Outside Information Unfolding Interaction With Environment

Feedback Feedback

While learning from the experience

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2006 Kettle Creek Corporation

Key Points:
When youre doing OODA loops right, accuracy and speed improve together; they dont trade off. An essential task of leadership is to create mainly by example an organization that gets better and better (and better) at these things.

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2006 Kettle Creek Corporation

Boyds OODA Loop Sketch

Observe
Unfolding Circumstances Implicit Guidance & Control Genetic Heritage

Orient
Cultural Traditions

Decide
Implicit Guidance & Control

Act

Observations

Feed Forward

Analyses & Synthesis

Feed Forward

Decision (Hypothesis)

Feed Forward

Action (Test)
Unfolding Interaction With Environment

Outside Information Unfolding Interaction With Environment

New Information

Previous Experience

Feedback Feedback

Note how orientation shapes observation, shapes decision, shapes action, and in turn is shaped by the feedback and 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. 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 Also note how the entire loop (not just orientation) is an ongoing many-sided implicit cross-referencing process of projection, empathy, correlation, and rejection. of projection, empathy, correlation, and rejection. From The Essence of Winning and Losing, John R. Boyd, January 1996. From The Essence of Winning and Losing, John R. Boyd, January 1996.
Defense and the National Interest, http://www.d-n-i.net, 2006
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