“Adaptability is an effective change in response to an altered situation. Adaptability is not speed of reaction, but the slower, more deliberate processes associated with problem solving.” ~Don Vandergriff

This report by John Arquilla and David Ronfeldt is an outstanding resource on swarming tactics. It discusses the history with examples from history on swarming tactics strengths, weaknesses and challenges in designing swarming tactics as a tactical option for the military. For law enforcement Its important to remember that dangerous circumstances we respond to in an attempt to resolve, require we take even more into consideration these complexities as the law enforcement mission here at home is to protect and serve the communities we police.

This article “Swarming Tactics” by Sid Heal was published in the Spring 2011 issue of The Tactical Edge, the official publication of the National Tactical Officers Association (www.ntoa.org)

I just received the spring 2011 edition of The Tactical Edge, the official publication of the National Tactical Officers Association.

A Tactical Option To Stop Ongoing Deadly Action

“In tactics, the most important thing is not whether you go left or right, but why you go left or right.” ~A. M. Gray

By Fred Leland

“When the fight starts you do not have time to stop and think about the fundamentals. ~Chet Richards, Certain to Win

“Criticism exists only to recognize the truth, not to act as judge” ~Carl von Clausewitz

The Boyd Cycle reinforces individual and where cohesion exists, group or organizational  knowledge allowing us to take appropriate actions on the street.  Through observation-orientation-decision and action cycles we continually learn, unlearn and relearn on the fly allowing us to better understand the environment, and the climate of the situation.  This allows us to adapt and choose the right methods to respond with and the how and why behind the actions we take. The Boyd Cycle enhances the strategic and tactical mindset over the emotional reactive mindset. 

“Conflicts are time Competitive Observation, Orientation, Decision, and Action cycles! “~John Boyd

The essence of conflict as described in the Marine Corps Warfighting Manual is a struggle between two hostile, independent, and irreconcilable wills, trying to impose itself on the other. Conflict is fundamentally an interactive social process.

By Fred Leland

Seattle police say they'll review police tactics and training after an officer was shown on video punching a young woman in the face. Everyone reading this article should take a look at this video before continuing. It’s provided at the link above.