Operating inside the Attacker: Part Two/ OODA Components (Observe)

Author: Odhinn Kohout

John Boyds Loop as “he” described it is not a simplistic formula based on one concentric ring from which the principles of the OODA loop self-perpetuate. He was a much deeper strategist than that and understood the complexity of the evolving battlefield. In this article we will analyze the key aspects which make the first component of the OODA loop being “Observation.” I will NOT be discussing these points from a social interaction standpoint or societal needs but from the moment prior to violence occurring. These articles are for Police and Military applications so as you read; put yourself in a scenario of being engulfed in the chaos of violence as this is the contextual basis for the BLOG.

Boyd broke down his “observational theory” into;

Unfolding Circumstances-

What preceded the attack? This also includes being lured into an ambush type of situation in which visible threat cues may have been difficult to see at first.

What would be an example of this?

There is a knock at your door around 10pm. You take a quick look through your window and see a young woman there who is by herself, You open the door and after some initial words two men who are flanking her on either side (that you did not see) push their way into your house. Two firearms are suddenly produced.

In Boyd’s Observation category the “event” itself is in a state of change and the operator must have the ability to quickly adapt and use observation during this time for a cognitive response which takes into consideration these “unfolding circumstances.”

 Unfolding Interaction with Environment-

A confined space would be one example of this in a setting that has many obstacles (furniture) which may impede the creation of a reactionary gap. What if we take this from the standpoint of an offensive mindset which most certainly was what Boyd was asking us to do.

What would be an example of this?

You are in a house getting information from a male occupant.

The attacker grabs a screwdriver from the counter and attempts to stab it into your neck. You instinctively flinch throwing your arms and hands in front of your face for protection. As you step back you almost lose your balance as you hit a chair which was behind you. Without thinking you grab the chair and throw it at the Attacker. He is momentarily stunned as he moves back away from you.

In this example the environment played a crucial part from both the perspective of the Attacker (weapon of opportunity/screwdriver) and the Officer (used the environment as the event unfolded).

Outside Information-

Do you have previous knowledge or intel which may assist you during/prior to the event as part of “initial” observational stage of Boyd’s Loop.

What would be an example of this?

A Soldier is given a lead regarding of a possible cache of weapons including IEDs but there are rumors that the source may also have links to the local insurgents. He and his team meet with the man in the evening who promises to take them to the location in exchange for a sum of money.

There is enough “outside information” in this scenario to assume a high probability of risk. The Soldiers would then take all the necessary precautions and have a heighted sense of awareness and vigilance for the “observational phase” of the loop.

On the Police side this could be the previous arrests and convictions of the party that they are on route to speak with. Does he have propensity for weapons or violence against the Police? This “outside information” can be used to move “faster through the loop” as there are anticipated concerns from the Officers perspective.

Implicit Guidance & Control-

Even though we are not at the “ACT” stage of the OODA loop the “guidance and control” is akin to confidence developed through training. John Boyd was a fighter pilot (and extraordinarily skilled) so there are no other inferences which can be drawn from this. Pre-conditioned responses which can be relied upon to be the correct “intuitive response” can only be developed through high repetition and Boyd understood this.

Feedback from actions taken-

Bruce Lee used to say that fighting was analogous to water in that water could take the shape of whatever it was contained as well as being free-flowing or as hard as rock.

Boyd read voraciously and incorporated Eastern philosophies such as those found in Sun Tzu’s “Art of War” treatise. As a Pilot, Boyd instinctively understood that feedback from the actions you were taking could give you a tremendous advantage if they were continually incorporated to compress time against the opponent shortening the window for his own decision making processes.

Why do you think that his nickname was “40 second Boyd” after all…

Train Smart Gentlemen!