Beyond OODA

Developing the Orientation for Deception, Conflict and Violence

By: Varg Freeborn

Narrated by: Varg Freeborn

Beyond OODA: Developing the Orientation for Deception, Conflict and Violence is Varg Freeborn's highly anticipated follow up to the extremely popular Violence of Mind. While Violence of Mind was a broad introduction to all aspects of violence preparation, Beyond OODA focuses precisely on the development of mindset, or more accurately the orientation that influences and governs our decision making, and how it is developed for both good and bad people, alike.

A scholarly lesson on Boyd's O.O.D.A. loop is just the beginning of Beyond OODA. Then, as the title suggests, the book dives way past that concept into the deeper work of understanding, recognizing and developing the orientation specifically, since therein lies the answers to affecting our own decision making under stress, as well as influencing the decision-making of others at will.

©2021 Varg Freeborn (P)2023 Varg Freeborn

Critic reviews

"A thorough and experienced analysis of the most critical component of decision making. With his depth of knowledge and unparalleled experience in the realm of criminal violence, Varg Freeborn breaks from the norm of “they don’t think like you and I” to expose how culture, values, attachments as well as internal and external parameters inform decision making for both ‘good guys’ and violent criminals. Renowned warrior philosophers from practically every era have stated the importance of knowing one’s self to better understand the enemy. Referred to as ‘Orientation’ by LtCol John Boyd and expressed in chilling detail through the experiences of a man who has lived at both ends of the “good vs evil” spectrum, Beyond OODA: Developing the Orientation for Deception, Conflict and Violence creates a roadmap to developing counters to life and death situations as well as preparation for an eventual aftermath." (Daniel Shaw, firearms instructor, Shaw Strategies, USMC Ret.)

"You are absolutely spot on with how you're using Boyd's concepts, and I think he'd be very excited with this book...you've written a Book of Five Rings for the 21st century." (Chet Richards, author of Certain to Win, long-time friend and colleague of LtCol John Boyd)

Important knowledge explained well.

Varg Freeborn obviously knows what he is talking about, and he shares his knowledge in a clear and understandable way. I recognized types and situations, and his aproach to dealing with violence and deception is certainly based not only on experience, but on insight and analysis. The narrator also has a pleasant and clear voice. I enjoyed listening and learning (and confirming own experiences).
I highly recomend this audiobook.

Beyond Grossman and all the so called experts.

Varg dissects the true meaning of OODA, no one offers this refreshing look into real violence and how to deal with it.

The practical awareness that applies to everyday was worth the time!

I really like the thorough addressing of what the predator, criminal mindset can be versus typical civilian. Being former military, martial artist, and having been in situations that threatened my life all of this makes profound sense. Thank you from the heart.

street intelligence

this book embodies the meaning of street smarts, being calculated, physically and mentally tough, and embracing the shadow side of ourselves. don't be complacent.

Real life lessons

The author brings realism to the readers perception. Only a man that wore the shoes can share its flaws.

dry

A bit dry and repetitive for me. may be intriguing for some, just not to me.

Excellent information

While I like the information offered and will process and incorporate this into my training and my classes (as a certified pistol instructor). I will not be utilizing the colorful f bombs included in the more useful portions. The author speaks of cultural differences as a big determinator of successful understanding and implementation of the orientation part of OODA, but seems to have forgotten that several “cultures” don’t appreciate foul language and some are still offended by it.

In summary, if you buy the audio version of this book, be sure you are alone in the house if your cultural orientation find such language embarrassing in front of others (especially women and children)