What steps are outlined in the OODA Loop?

The OODA Loop is a decision-making framework developed by military strategist John Boyd, which stands for Observe, Orient, Decide, and Act. Each step serves a critical role in situational awareness and tactical decision-making.

In the observation phase, information is gathered from the environment to understand the current situation. This is crucial as it forms the basis for the following steps. Next, in the orientation phase, the information gathered is analyzed, and context is established. This phase involves understanding the implications of the observations and positions relative to the enemy or the objective.

Once orientation is complete, the decision phase involves choosing a course of action based on the analyzed data. This decision must be timely and accurate to maintain an advantage. Finally, in the action phase, the chosen course of action is implemented. This step completes the loop and ideally leads to new observations, restarting the cycle continuously.

The correct answer highlights the importance of these four components in military strategy and decision-making processes, making it foundational knowledge for anyone studying infantry tactics and the principles of engagements in uncertain environments.