We've examined the first two parts of the OODA concept; now let’s move on to the third:  Decide: 

This sounds self-explanatory, right? Well there are some intricacies you may want to consider before-hand. Can you imagine having to decide if there is a threat in play and what action you should take?
Should you remain in place, or should you seek cover?  Should you draw your firearm, or other weapon? Should you take some non-lethal action? Should you run? 

When the decision arises to be  "defense ready", your decision will typically be based on your skills, training and your level of comfort with your tools.

 “Practice Makes Perfect” is a true statement and practice can be the deciding factor in the outcome of your situation.

Before you find yourself faced with a treat, where you may be forced to make a decision, be sure to get the proper training for the defense tactic you may need in an emergency.
 
At SDTG, we not only provide our Clients with expert firearms training, we also offer consultation and advice on methods to meet your lifestyle, your individual skill-set and your comfort level. We are serious when we ask, #AreYouDefenseReady?

Last week in O.O.D.A, we talked about the first step in the concept: Observe.  This week we'll touch on Orient. The entire concept works in unison.

 The O.O.D.A loop has two caveats, the first that crowds and being in packed lines (like is common for the holidays) make observation extremely difficult.  Prioritization of persons of interest will be the best play here.  If someone catches your attention, something triggered in your brain to pull them out of the crowd.  They may be worth further observation.

Orient:  At this stage you focus your attention on whatever it is you have observed.  In personal space, this is the person you’re speaking to. Should you notice a knife in someone’s hand, or a weapon of any sort, you’ll orient towards the threat.  This stage can end a threat right then, as observation is the last thing a petty criminal wants. 

In crowded situations, put your phone away, observe and orient yourself in your surroundings.  Situational awareness is your first defense.

At SDTG we specialize in helping you stay defense ready.  Use this link to Connect with us for the latest trends and guidelines in firearms and safety.

As the holidays come about in full swing, self-defense and personal protection become more of a priority with the increase in shopping and higher volume of pedestrian traffic.  The crowds can impart their own difficulty to staying vigilant to threats and of your general surroundings.  Your five senses are the most obvious method of evaluating and observing your surroundings, however the final sense, that “sixth” sense will also be of use.  Your gut, your natural intuition is crucial to your observation skills. Your subconscious is putting together details you may not pay close attention to, and may warn you.  Some experience this warning as the hair on their neck standing up, or a general sense of wrongness. 

In the 1950s,  Colonel John Boyd of the United States Air Force created a concept known as the O.O.D.A loop.  The acronym is simple, and stands for the decision making process.

• Observe
• Orient
• Decide
• Act

 
During this holiday season, we will take you through this process, with the first step in the loop,

Observe:  At this stage, you are using your senses to notice what is around you.  You do this every single day simply by looking around.  In the context of personal defense, you’re looking more for obvious threats, like the person lurking around the corner with their hand in their pocket, or someone who you notice has been in the same stores you’ve been in but never leaving with anything. 
 
The most critical time this comes into effect, in my opinion, is when a person enters what is known as your personal space.  In proxemics (the study of space and how population density in that space effects behavior) personal space is 1.5 to 4 feet.  At this stage, a person’s action will always be faster than your reaction, and the distance can make reaction nearly impossible.  A stranger in this space will immediately catch your attention and make you feel uncomfortable.  
 
Situations can vary and speaking directly to a stranger can be tricky, so if you are concerned about how to maintain your personal space during crowded holiday activities,  Here’s a link to Connect with SDTG and we’ll give you some personalized tips.