The Army Training System - AskTOP

Chapter 1Risk Management FundamentalsSizing up opponents to determine victory, assessing dangersand distances is the proper course of action for military leaders.Sun Tzu, The Art of War, “Terrain”Risk management is the process of identifying, assessing,and controlling risks arising from operational factorsand making decisions that balance risk costs withmission benefits. Leaders and soldiers at all levels userisk management. It applies to all missions andenvironments across the wide range of Armyoperations. Risk management is fundamental indeveloping confident and competent leaders and units.Proficiency in applying risk management is critical toconserving combat power and resources. Commandersmust firmly ground current and future leaders in thecritical skills of the five-step risk management process.Risk is characterized by both the probability and severityof a potential loss that may result from hazards due to thepresence of an enemy, an adversary, or some otherhazardous condition. Perception of risk varies fromperson to person. What is risky or dangerous to oneperson may not be to another. Perception influencesleaders’ decisions. A publicized event such as a trainingaccident or a relatively minor incident may increase thepublic’s perception of risk for that particular event andtime—sometimes to the point of making such risksunacceptable. Failure to effectively manage the riskmay make an operation too costly—politically,economically, and in terms of combat power (soldierslives and equipment). This chapter presents thebackground, principles, applicability, and constraintsrelating to the risk management process.1-1