The OODA Loop and How It Can Help During an Active Threat Incident
The OODA Loop is a four-step decision-making process that was developed by U.S. Air Force Colonel John Boyd. Colonel Boyd trained fighter pilots in this process so they could more effectively engage in air combat with enemy pilots. OODA stands for Observe, Orient, Decide, and Act. This process has been adopted by law enforcement and other organizations to help with incident response. The same decision-making process can also be used in response to active threats.
Why is a decision-making process necessary for active threats? During a critical incident, the stress of the event can trigger survival instincts such as fight, flight, or freeze. These are automatic responses to stressful events and can only be countered through prior training and stress inoculation. By training in the OODA Loop process, participants can learn to make rational decisions during critical incidents, which will increase their chances of survival.
The first step in the OODA Loop, Observe, is when someone notices that something harmful is happening or about to happen. This can be through hearing gunshots, people screaming, or seeing people running in a certain direction. By observing these cues, someone can begin to determine the nature of the threat and its possible location. Most people are initially in denial during an active threat incident. By observing the danger and realizing that it is real, individuals can speed up their reactions and increase their chances of survival.
The next step is Orient. During this step, the person determines where they are in the building or environment in relation to the threat. If the threat is far away, they can make the decision to run from the area. If they know the threat is close to their location, they may need to decide to find a place to hide and barricade, or they may scan their surroundings to look for items they can use to defend themselves.
The third phase is Decide. During this phase, the person must choose what action they are going to take. If they choose to run, they need to decide on the best path to escape and avoid the threat. If they decide to hide and barricade, they must choose the safest available location as well as the best options for securing that space. If the decision is made to fight, the person should select a position of advantage from which to launch an attack and identify improvised weapons they can use. This decision can also be made in conjunction with other nearby victims.
The final step in the OODA Loop is Act. This is the phase where the person must commit to their chosen action to improve their chances of survival. If they flee the area, they must ensure they get far enough away from the danger zone to be safe. If they decide to hide and barricade in a room, they must commit to blocking the entryway to ensure the threat cannot enter. If the decision is to fight, the person must make sure they utilize aggressive force and, when possible, strength in numbers to overwhelm the threat. The goal is to neutralize the aggressor so they cannot cause any more harm.
A decision-making model like the OODA Loop is a very effective process for responding to an active threat. However, the process is only effective if it is trained regularly. Businesses should ensure their employees receive ongoing instruction through classroom training and drills so they know what to do and how to react to threats. This training should include the OODA Loop and how it can be incorporated into the Run, Hide, Fight response to active threats. Without prior knowledge of what to do and how to process decisions, most individuals will not be able to respond effectively during a deadly encounter. If you or your organization are interested in further information, you can contact me at https://www.boydthreatsolutions.com/contact.
