By Brian Duff | OODA Loop? Is It Cheese? No, it’s not cheese. The OODA loop is the brainchild of Colonel John Boyd. Colonel Boyd was a U.S. Air Force pilot and military thinker. His OODA loop philosophy helped fighter pilots combat their opponents better. It did so by helping them to out-think their enemies by using a systematic thought process. Eventually, it proved so useful that it became a primary core philosophy of preparedness that applies to all aspects of life, business, and survival. Security Guard Disarms Active Shooter This video below illustrates what the actions of one observant, prepared and brave person can accomplish. In this case, Jon Meis, a Seattle Pacific University student security guard, survived an active shooter incident. He did so by, knowingly or unknowingly employing the principles of the OODA loop. These principles led to the disarming, pepper spraying, and tackling of the shooter. When it was needed, Jon was ready and willing to take decisive and effective action. In so doing, he saved his life and the lives of unknown numbers of other students. Observe Preparing for a situation like this is not difficult. What is difficult is identifying the problem, or in this case the threat. There are far too many examples of people needlessly suffering because they failed to identify a problem. They failed when the problem should have been identifiable. Therefore, to not fail, start off every day with a commitment to yourself. You must commit to using your powers of observation and situational awareness to identify developing situations. Does this mean you move throughout your day paranoid and on edge? No, it means you listen to your gut. It means you take in the environment around you. It means you look for things that you think are not normal. Orient When you do observe something that doesn’t seem normal or makes your sixth sense poke you, you need to take notice. Taking notice means paying attention to the situation and what is happening around it. As you do, you’ll process the events and come to a conclusion about the unfolding situation. Decide After orienting yourself to the situation, you will decide upon a course of action. That decision may be to do nothing as the situation isn’t threatening or even an issue. However, that decision may be to get actively involved as student hero Jon Meis did. Regardless of what you do, make a decision. Do not stand there like a Lookie-Lou on a Southern California freeway. Make a decision! Act Once you make your decision, it’s time for action. So, take action. When you initiate your course of action, do so with commitment and determination. Maybe your chosen course of action is to leave the area because there is no threat. If so, leave while committing to remain vigilant. However, if your course of action is like that of Jon Meis, to become involved, then do so with 100-percent commitment. Anything less than 100-percent commitment increases your chances of a less than desirable outcome. So remember, when taking action, be like a momma bear saving her cub: relentless and in total survival mode. Survive & Thrive If you follow the basic premise of the OODA loop (Observe, Orient, Decide and Act), you too can be better prepared to overcome difficult situations that may arise. By doing so, by noticing what goes on around you, making confident decisions and taking action, you will help yourself to be better able to survive and thrive in any situation. Lastly, never forget, you’re just one prep away. If you have any other information, suggestions, or thoughts about the OODA Loop, please leave a comment below. Stay safe, secure and prepared.
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