By its very nature, there will always be risk in military operations, and despite employing a robust safety program, the Department of the Air Force continues to incur costly mishaps every year, not only to its weapons systems but more importantly to its Airmen and Guardians.

Good Risk Management is all about informed decision making and it starts with YOU! It gives you, and your organization, the best chance of success in avoiding or mitigating unnecessary risk and deciding what is acceptable risk. At work and home, smart Risk Management serves as the foundation of our Department of the Air Force safety program and personal choices while off duty.

5-Step Process of Risk Management Wheel

Risk Management is not a safety process or a static checklist.

Risk Management is a decision making process and a way of looking at and evaluating challenges.

Use the Risk Assessment Matrix to evaluate the risks

Accept no unnecessary risk
Make risk decisions at the appropriate level
Integrate risk management into operations, activities and planning at all levels
Apply the process cyclically and continuously

The long-term focus of the Integrating Risk and Readiness culture shift is to integrate Risk Management principles into all training, career fields, and operational environments across the Department of the Air Force, as well as implementing them within policy, directives, and education.

This culture stems from the recognition that there will be increased risk as the DAF makes changes to the way it operates so Airmen and Guardians are better prepared to make risk-informed decisions.

Off-Duty Risk Management

Preserving Human Performance and Well-Being

Our off-duty activities are important to help keep DAF personnel in top shape and sometimes include the thrill of taking risks. Whether it is a party, driving, skiing, fishing, or riding a motorcycle, we all have our own unique ways of blowing off steam and having some fun when we are not at work.

Defend our Airmen and Guardians from unnecessary threats and risks so they can continue keeping our Air and Space Forces the best in the world! We develop ways to mitigate threats to our mechanical and cyber systems. We must do the same to address Human Performance Hazards (such as fatigue, stress, and physical or mental burnout). To maintain our personnel in peak condition, they must be fed, hydrated, and rested. Our force needs frequent breaks from intense concentration and work where the mind can be rested and rejuvenated. We know we need to put effort into maintaining balance physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Wear your helmet

Wear your helmet

DEFEATING THREATS TO THE HUMAN WEAPON SYSTEM (YOU)

We develop ways to mitigate threats to our mechanical and cyber systems. We can do the same with our Human Weapons System (You). To maintain the Human Weapon System in peak condition, it must be fed, hydrated, and rested. It needs frequent breaks from intense concentration and work where the mind can be rested and rejuvenated. We know we need to put effort into maintaining balance physically, emotionally, and spiritually.