The Benefits of Practicing OODA During a Violent Attack or Critical Incident

The Benefits of Practicing OODA During a Violent Attack or Critical Incident — TABI Executive Director, RJ Boatman

The OODA Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) is a proven tactical framework that enhances decision-making and reaction speed in high-stress situations. Originally used by military, law enforcement, and security professionals, OODA is equally critical for civilians seeking to improve personal safety, emergency response, and crisis management.

Whether facing a violent attack, natural disaster, workplace emergency, or public safety threat, OODA equips individuals with the tools to assess, adapt, and act decisively.

1. Observe – Maintain situational awareness, continuously scanning your environment for potential threats, escape routes, and available resources. Awareness is your first and best line of defense in any critical situation.

2. Orient – Process real-time information by factoring in your training, past experiences, and environmental conditions. In a violent attack, this means understanding the attacker’s intent and positioning. In a crisis, it means identifying key hazards and available options.

3. Decide – Select the most effective course of action — whether it’s countering an attack, creating distance, securing cover, or initiating a response protocol. Quick decision-making under pressure is often the difference between survival and catastrophe.

4. Act – Execute your decision with speed, confidence, and precision. Hesitation can be costly, while decisive action shifts control in your favor, whether de-escalating a threat, securing a safe exit, or mitigating a critical incident.

By consistently training with the OODA Loop, individuals and organizations reduce hesitation, improve reaction time, and develop mental resilience.

Training reinforces instinctive responses, transforming fear into strategy and chaos into control—essential skills for handling both violent attacks and high-risk emergencies.

OODA Training for Organizations

For more information on OODA workshops and training for corporate groups, community organizations, schools, and churches, contact Support@TABISystems.org.

Our programs include:

✔ Hands-on simulations

✔ Scenario-based exercises

✔ De-escalation and crisis response techniques

Designed to prepare individuals and teams for real-world threats, these trainings enhance both personal and organizational safety, ensuring effective and decisive responses to any critical incident or violent encounter.

Learn more about the Center for Threat Assessment and Behavioral Intelligence: TABISystems.org