Today I just wanted to take the time to write a short note on decision making and the science behind it as it relates to SWAT Training and Fitness.
The science behind decision making was studied in the 60's in an effort to explain how combat pilots could defeat their opponents.
As Operators, we understand the importance of being able to out think our opponents on a scale of quarter seconds to secure victory.
How is this accomplished?
The model is broken into components Observation, Orientation, Decide then Act which together is referred to as the OODA Loop.
The object of understanding this process is to teach you to move through the loop faster than your opponent and actually cause them to slow down.
It is very Matrix like!
Every human goes through this process when facing a critical incident and there are things we can do as operators to ensure we react faster.
1. We can innoculate ourselves against stress by exposing ourselves to a variety of similar situations through SWAT Training.
2. We can ensure we maintain our fitness level so that our mind remains clear when our heart rate elevates
3. We can introduce predictable unpredictability into our SWAT Tactics to create friction in the decision making process of our combatants to ensure our victory.
Obviously I could go into some detail about each phase of the decision making model but there is plenty out there which explains it better than I ever would.
My point about writing this is to make you aware of the need to understand how we make and react to critical decisions so you can apply it to your training.
It is important to maintain a high level of fitness to assist and better equip you both mentally and physically for these types of encounters.
Stay Strong,
Todd
www.SWATFitnessTraining.com
