Col. John Boyd (1927-1997)

For Erie native John Boyd, an early career as an Air Force pilot led to greater renown as a military strategist.
Boyd entered the Air Force during World War II with a love of flying. He later fought in the Korean War. But he is best-known for developing the strategy credited with winning the 1990-91 Gulf War.
That theory, the OODA Loop -- which stands for "observe, orient, decide, act" -- is aimed at making good decisions faster than the opponent.
While Boyd's daughter, Mary Ellen Boyd, who lives in Virginia, said her father's experience in war helped him as a strategist, she is heartened that his theories have applications beyond the battlefield.
The OODA Loop, for example, is often cited as a strategy in business, law and sports.
"I like that it isn't just about death and destruction," Mary Ellen Boyd said. "His work applies all over the place."
She cited her father's ability to "hyperfocus" as a factor in his success.
He would study at home, Mary Ellen Boyd said, and nothing else occurring in the house would bother him.
"He just focused," she said.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Erie
• Hall
• of
• Fame

[ioprpi]

@divanola That's because it was one of his Acolytes, not he, who designed the A-10.

[divanola]

too many Americans know nothing of this man.......a fantastic subject for a movie or at least a high-end documentary.......no mention of the A-10 warthog here either

[mepjohnson]

He got away with it because he always had somebody a level above who recognised his brilliance and who always flew 'top cover' for him.

In Coram's book it said he always annoyed his superior, but the man above the superior always loved him.

[DCCENTRAL1FOX]

Put it this way. How many active duty Colonel's do you know would get away with putting a lit cigar out on a General's tie? Yes, that is one of many things he's done and got away with... Read his biography titled, "BOYD". And you too will understand... Crazy stuff...

[WarVideo]

This video is great but it only gives a small look at everything he did.

[mepjohnson]

Eerie, why don't you celebrate this man?