Security officers, first responders and warfighters face a wide range of tactical circumstances, each of which requires a different kind of coordination. In a routine patrol or cordon and search, knowledge of where forces are deployed and their tactical objectives is essential. In more extreme circumstances, such as the use of force against a specific objective, such knowledge needs to be buttressed with collaboration and communications tools to facilitate planning and force deployment.

John Boyd, an Air Force flyer well known for his influence on the art of warfare, argued persuasively that every team of first responders or warfighters facing a tactical challenge must execute a cycle of Observe-Orient-Decide-Act (OODA), as depicted to the left.   Boyd argues that the speed of the cycle is critical - the more opportunities the team has to make decisions and adapt plans, the more likely they are to achieve their objectives.   But what is most critical is that you must get "inside" the OODA Loop Cycle of the enemy - you must Observe-Orient-Decide-Act before your enemy does and stay within that cycle to maintain the tactical advantage.