Even a cyberdog is a lot of work.

Justin Hammer, the hero of Finding Sid Bassett, believes in being prepared. Even when he is just taking Fluffy for a walk, Justin approaches the world through the OODA Loop.

One of his favorite tools is the OODA Loop—a decision-making process built around four repeating steps:

Observe. Orient. Decide. Act.

The concept was developed by U.S. Air Force Colonel John Boyd, a fighter pilot and military strategist who studied why some pilots consistently gained an advantage over their opponents. Boyd argued that success wasn’t simply about making the right decision. It was about being able to observe changing conditions, understand them, make a decision, act—and begin the cycle again faster and more effectively than the opposition.

Although its roots are in aerial combat and military strategy, the OODA Loop traveled far beyond the cockpit. Versions of Boyd’s approach are used in military planning, law enforcement, emergency response, cybersecurity, business strategy, competitive sports, and other environments where people have to make decisions while circumstances are changing around them.

The idea is deceptively simple:

Observe what is happening.

Orient yourself to what it means.

Decide what to do.

Act.

Then observe what happened and start again.

Justin takes this very seriously.

Fluffy, his cyberdog, does not.

Fluffy is totally focused on his mission.

Let’s examine the application of the OODA Loop analytical method to a specific operational task Justin executes daily. Please review the video below before proceeding to the after-action analysis.

OODA Loop in Action: Taking the Cyberdog for a Walk

OODA Loop After-Action Analysis

The OODA Loop gives Justin a framework for the walk. Fluffy has a simpler system: identify the mission and complete it.

Situation Justin: OODA Loop Fluffy: Mission
The Walk Begins OBSERVE: Movement nominal. Maintain situational awareness. Patrol sector. SNIFF PROTOCOL: ACTIVE.
Fluffy Slows Down ORIENT: Change in pace detected. Reassess conditions. Commence target search.
Fluffy Stops DECIDE: Halt confirmed. Evaluate location and probable intent. Target acquired.
Fluffy Assumes the Position ACT: Halt movement. Monitor activity. Commence field operation.
Fluffy Completes His Business OBSERVE: Activity complete. Situation requires assessment. Mission accomplished.
Fluffy Looks Back ORIENT: Assess cyberdog behavior. Determine next action. QUERY: Why are humans so interested in what I do?
The Stare DECIDE: No immediate threat detected. Cyberdog appears satisfied with outcome. Observe human confusion.
The Aftermath ACT: Establish visual contact with Fluffy. Maintain eye contact. Offer no explanation. Waiting for additional input.
New Loop OBSERVE: Situation resolved. Resume patrol. New mission acquired.

Justin Hammer: After-Action Analysis Complete.

Fluffy: New Mission Acquired — Rearm/Refuel. AKA: Eat.

For more of Justin, Fluffy, and the Hammerfall team, explore the Finding Sid Bassett Evidence File and the world of Hammerfall Books.