What Does “OODA” Mean Anyway?

Observe. Orient. Decide. Act.

That’s what OODA stands for. It’s a term coined by Colonel John R. Boyd (January 23, 1927 – March 9, 1997; pictured right), a United States Air Force fighter pilot and military strategist, whose theories have influenced both military and business strategies.

He used the term “OODA Loop” to describe the process that individuals and organizations use to react to events. The key to success is the creation of situations where one can make appropriate decisions more rapidly than others.
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Everybody Needs a Tap Code

This week, PBS aired a phenomenal series on human emotion and social interaction called “This Emotional Life.” I was particularly struck by a segment on human resilience in which a Vietnam veteran – Bob Shumaker, a POW for 8 years – shared his amazing story.

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Comments Due on Private Sector Preparedness Standards

The Department of Homeland Security is soliciting comments – by January 15 – on their proposed standards for the new Voluntary Private Sector Preparedness Accreditation and Certification Program (PS-Prep). Recommended by the 9/11 commission, PS-Prep was developed for private entities to receive certification for emergency preparedness from DHS.

“Preparedness is a shared responsibility and everyone—including businesses, universities and non-profit organizations—has a role to play,” said Napolitano when announcing the proposed standards in October. “Ensuring our private sector partners have the information and training they need to respond to disasters will strengthen our efforts to build a culture of preparedness nationwide.”

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