Which of the following is the first step in the ORM five-step process?

The first step in the Operational Risk Management (ORM) five-step process is to identify hazards. Identifying hazards involves recognizing and defining potential risks that could harm personnel, equipment, or the mission. This step is crucial because it sets the foundation for the entire ORM process; without clearly identifying hazards, subsequent steps such as assessing those hazards, making risk decisions, implementing controls, and supervising the effectiveness of those controls cannot be effectively carried out.

By identifying hazards, personnel can gather the necessary information to evaluate the risk associated with those hazards and determine the appropriate measures to mitigate them. This proactive approach aids in preventing accidents and ensuring safety during operations, reflecting the importance of effective risk management in maintaining operational readiness and protecting service members.

The other steps, while essential in the ORM process, follow after the identification of hazards has taken place, emphasizing the critical nature of this initial stage.