Risk Management - Multiservice Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (FM 3-100.12 / MCRP 5-12.1C / NTTP 5-03.5 / AFTTP(I) 3-2.34)

This publication, “Risk Management – Multiservice Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures,” describes risk management functions and responsibilities applicable to the joint task force (JTF) and service staffs. It applies risk management planning procedures to the military decision making process and employs the Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES) for the operation planning team. This publication provides a consolidated multiservice reference addressing risk management background, principles, and application procedures. To facilitate multiservice interoperability, this publication identifies and explains the risk management process and its differences and similarities as it is applied by each service. Risk management is a process that assists decision makers in reducing or offsetting risk (by systematically identifying, assessing, and controlling risk arising from operational factors) and making decisions that weigh risks against mission benefits. Risk is an expression of a possible loss or negative mission impact stated in terms of probability and severity. The risk management process provides leaders and individuals a method to assist in identifying the optimum course of action (COA). Risk management must be fully integrated into planning, preparation, and execution. Commanders are responsible for the application of risk management in all military operations. Risk management facilitates the mitigation of the risks of threats to the force. For the purposes of this document, threat is defined as a source of danger—any opposing force, condition, source, or circumstance with the potential to negatively impact mission accomplishment and/or degrade mission capability. Each of the services uses similar but slightly different processes. This publication provides a single process to enable warfighters from different services to manage risk from a common perspective. Risk management is useful in developing, deploying, and employing the joint force. Development concerns force design, manpower allocation, training development, and combat material developments. Deploying and employing the joint force generates concerns in force protection and balancing risk against resource constraints. Military operations are inherently complex, dynamic, dangerous and, by nature, involve the acceptance of risk. Because risk is often related to gain, leaders weigh risk against the benefits to be gained from an operation. The commander’s judgment balances the requirement for mission success with the inherent risks of military operations. Leaders have always practiced risk management in military decision making; however, the approach to risk management and degree of success vary widely depending on the leader's level of training and experience. Since the Korean conflict, United States forces have suffered more losses from noncombat causes than from enemy action. Key factors contributing to those losses include—Rapidly changing operational environment; Fast-paced, high operations tempo and high personnel tempo; Equipment failure, support failure, and effects of the physical environment; Human factors. The fundamental goal of risk management is to enhance operational capabilities and mission accomplishment, with minimal acceptable loss.