text: Chapter 4
  associated risks. RMoutlines a disciplined approach to express a risk level in terms readily understood at all
  echelons. For example, the commander may adjust the level of body armor protection during dismounted
  movement balancing an increased risk level to individual Soldiers to improve the likelihood of mission
  accomplishment.
  Note.Soldier load is an area of concern for commanders and subordinate leaders. How much is
  carried, how far, and in what configuration are critical mission considerations. The commander
  balances the risk to Soldiers from the enemy against the risk to mission accomplishment due to
  excessive loads and Soldier exhaustion and injury. Soldier load is limited to mission-essential
  equipment to sustain continuous operations. The commander accepts risks to reduce Soldier load
  based on a through mission analysis. (See ATP 3-21.20 and ATP 3-21.18 for additional
  information on Soldier load.)
  Principles of Risk Management
  4-187. The principles of RM(see ATP 5-19) are—
  (cid:122) Integrate RMinto all phases of missions and operations.
  (cid:122) Make risk decisions at the appropriate level.
  (cid:122) Accept no unnecessary risk.
  (cid:122) ApplyRMcyclically and continuously.
  Five-Step Process
  4-188. RMis a cyclical and continuous five-step process to identify and assess hazards;develop,choose,
  implement,and supervise controls;and evaluate outcomes as conditions change. Except in time-constrained
  situations, planners complete the process in a deliberate manner-systematically applying all the steps and
  recording the results. In time constrained conditions,the commander,staff,subordinate leaders,and Soldiers
  use judgment to apply RMprinciples and steps. The five steps of RMare—
  (cid:122) Step 1—Identify the hazards.
  (cid:122) Step 2—Assess the hazards.
  (cid:122) Step 3—Develop controls and make risk decisions.
  (cid:122) Step 4—Implement controls.
  (cid:122) Step 5—Supervise and evaluate.
  Risk Management and the Military Decision-making Process
  4-189. The BCT commander and staff use RMto identify,assess,and control hazards,reducing their effect
  on operations and readiness. The five steps of RM tend to require emphasis at different times during the
  MDMP (seetable 4-2). While planning doctrine places the beginning of formal RMin mission analysis,the
  commander and staff can begin identifying hazards upon receipt of the warning order or operation order. For
  example,when conducting unilateral and partnered operations and training it is important for the commander
  to assess early in the process the potential risk for an insider attack (see chapter8 for additional information
  oninsider attacks).
  Note. The representation in table 4-2 is not intended to be prescriptive. RM is an adaptable
  integrating process. The five steps are dynamic and cyclical.