How should risk be managed in C2 decision-making?

• A. Risk should be avoided entirely, with subordinates never acting without direct orders.
• B. Risk is irrelevant in complex operations.
• C. Commanders balance risk and opportunity, communicate intent, and empower subordinates to act within planned risk levels.
• D. Subordinates should never act unless risk is zero.

Answer: (C)

In C2 decision-making, risk management is about balancing risk and opportunity, communicating a clear intent, and empowering subordinates to act within defined risk levels. Commanders set what level of risk is acceptable for a given operation, spell out the desired end state, and trust teams to use initiative to seize opportunities or respond to surprises while staying within those boundaries. This aligns with mission command, preserving tempo and adaptability: subordinates aren’t waiting for step-by-step orders for every action, yet they remain coordinated because they know the intent and the limits. Risk can’t be eliminated; complex operations inherently involve risk. Treating risk as irrelevant ignores reality, and insisting on zero risk would ground action and degrade responsiveness.