The OODA “Loop” Sketch

1. CulturalTraditions GeneticHeritage Decision(Hypothesis) Analyses &Synthesis FeedForward FeedForward NewInformation PreviousExperience Feedback The OODA “Loop” Sketch [A more printer-friendly version appears on page 7.] Observe Orient Decide Act ImplicitGuidance& Control ImplicitGuidance& Control UnfoldingCircumstances Observations Action(Test) FeedForward OutsideInformation UnfoldingInteractionWithEnvironment UnfoldingInteractionWithEnvironment Feedback 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. Competitive advantage comes from quickness over the entire “loop,” not just or even primarily from the O-to-O-to-D-to-A sequence. © 2006 Kettle Creek Corporation

2. Observe Orient Act ImplicitGuidance& Control ImplicitGuidance& Control UnfoldingCircumstances CulturalTraditions Observations GeneticHeritage Analyses &Synthesis Action(Test) FeedForward NewInformation PreviousExperience OutsideInformation UnfoldingInteractionWithEnvironment UnfoldingInteractionWithEnvironment Pumping up OODA “Loop” Speed Decide “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. © 2006 Kettle Creek Corporation

3. Observe Decide Act Orient ImplicitGuidance& Control ImplicitGuidance& Control UnfoldingCircumstances CulturalTraditions Observations Decision(Hypothesis) GeneticHeritage Analyses &Synthesis Action(Test) FeedForward FeedForward FeedForward NewInformation PreviousExperience OutsideInformation UnfoldingInteractionWithEnvironment UnfoldingInteractionWithEnvironment 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 Sometimes, You Just Have to Make a Decision © 2006 Kettle Creek Corporation

4. Operating Inside Their OODA Loops • Definition: • Changing the situation more rapidly than the other side can comprehend. • Typical effects: • “It’s like they’re moving in slow motion.” Boyd describing “operating inside opponents’ OODA loops.” • “It’s like you’re commanding both sides.” Common impression of a successful cheng / ch’i operation. [cheng - “orthodox, expected,” while ch’i - “unorthodox, unexpected, shocking.” By operating inside an opponent’s OODA loop, you will find it much easier to set up and exploit cheng / ch’i situations.] For other typical and intended effects, please refer toPatterns of Conflict, chart 132, available at: http://www.d-n-i.net/second_level/boyd_military.htm#discourse © 2006 Kettle Creek Corporation

5. Shared values; common experiences; commander’s intent, etc. Quickly understand what’s going on Know what to do And be able to do it ImplicitGuidance& Control ImplicitGuidance& Control UnfoldingCircumstances Observations Decision(Hypothesis) Action(Test) FeedForward FeedForward FeedForward OutsideInformation UnfoldingInteractionWithEnvironment UnfoldingInteractionWithEnvironment Feedback Feedback While learning from the experience What OODA “loop” speed really means Observe Orient Decide Act © 2006 Kettle Creek Corporation

6. Key Points: • When you’re doing OODA “loops” right, accuracy and speed improve together; they don’t trade off. • A primary function of management is to build an organization that gets better and better at these things. © 2006 Kettle Creek Corporation

7. Observe Orient Decide Act ImplicitGuidance& Control ImplicitGuidance& Control UnfoldingCircumstances CulturalTraditions Observations GeneticHeritage Decision(Hypothesis) Analyses &Synthesis Action(Test) FeedForward FeedForward FeedForward NewInformation PreviousExperience OutsideInformation UnfoldingInteractionWithEnvironment UnfoldingInteractionWithEnvironment Feedback Feedback 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. Defense and the National Interest, http://www.d-n-i.net, 2006 Boyd’s OODA “Loop” Sketch © 2006 Kettle Creek Corporation