What is the role of risk assessment in tactical operations?

• A. Rely only on instinct.
• B. Maintain safety and inform decisions through risk assessment.
• C. Delay operations to reassess.
• D. It is optional and unimportant.

Answer: (B)

Risk assessment in tactical operations is an ongoing, structured process to identify hazards, evaluate the likelihood and potential consequences, and implement controls to reduce risk while guiding decisions. This approach keeps personnel safe and informs choices about actions, timing, routes, and resource use as conditions change. Relying on instinct alone can overlook hazards; delaying operations to reassess isn't always feasible and can miss critical windows; treating risk assessment as optional undermines safety and mission effectiveness. Therefore, maintaining safety and informing decisions through risk assessment best supports both personnel and mission goals.