Which step comes first in the Army's risk management process?

• A. Identify hazards
• B. Develop controls
• C. Assess hazards
• D. Implement controls

Answer: (A)

Identifying hazards is the starting point because you must know what could cause harm before you can judge risk or decide on protections. In the Army’s risk management process, you begin by scanning the mission, environment, and tasks to spot anything that could injure people, damage equipment, or impede the mission. Once hazards are identified, you assess them to determine the level of risk, then develop and implement controls to reduce that risk, and finally supervise and evaluate to ensure the measures work. For example, during a patrol, recognizing hazards like rough terrain, poor weather, vehicle malfunctions, or communication gaps lets you estimate how likely each hazard is and how severe it could be, so you can prioritize and apply appropriate mitigations such as route planning, maintenance checks, weather considerations, and training. Without first identifying hazards, you can’t accurately assess risk or craft effective controls.