Risk Management and the Joint Military Commander.

Abstract

Abstract : Among many considerations, operational art requires commanders at the operational level to answer four fundamental questions: (1) What military (or related political and social) conditions must be produced in the operational area to achieve the strategic goal? (2) What sequence of actions is most likely to produce that condition? (3) How should the resources of the joint force be applied to accomplish that sequence of actions? (4) What is the likely cost or risk to the joint force in performing that sequence of actions? Question number four is the focus of this discussion. Risks, tangible and intangible, are a fundamental part of everyday life, and especially of all military operations. Risk is the probability and severity of loss linked to various hazards. The identification of hazards and their impact is called a risk assessment. The control of hazards, having been identified during risk assessment, is the process called risk management. Practiced repeatedly, personal and professional risk management can become 'common sense'. However, common sense is not the only weapon strategic-operational and tactical commanders and planners have in their arsenals for managing the risks of war and military operations other than war (MOOTW). This report discusses the USA Five Step Process, from which users develop tools, techniques, and procedures for applying risk management in their areas of responsibility.