The OODA Loop

The observe-orient-decide-act (OODA) loop theory is a mental model developed by Colonel John Boyd that conceptualizes how people and organizations make decisions. Boyd based the theory on his experience as a USAF fighter pilot in the Korean War and his vast study of military strategic theorists. The concept behind the OODA loop was that completing an OODA loop quicker than the opponent prevented the opponent from gaining superiority in air combat. If the defender can respond quickly to the attacker's actions before the attacker can complete the OODA loop, the defender can gain superiority.