What does ORM help to balance against potential risks?

ORM, or Operational Risk Management, is a systematic approach used within the Navy and other military branches to identify, assess, and manage risks associated with operations. Its primary objective is to achieve a balance between potential risks and the benefits that might be gained from taking certain actions or conducting missions.

The concept of cost and benefit analysis is central to ORM because it allows personnel to weigh the risks they face against the possible positive outcomes or advantages of a given operation. By analyzing these factors, decision-makers can decide whether the potential benefits of a course of action justify the associated risks. This process is essential in ensuring that safety and operational effectiveness are both maximized.

Other options may touch on aspects of operational readiness and risk assessment, but they do not capture the fundamental goal of ORM as effectively as balancing cost and benefit. High-level security protocols focus more on safeguarding assets rather than risk management itself. Time-frequent evaluations pertain to maintaining operational readiness but do not directly address the balancing act inherent in ORM. Finally, training hours are crucial for ensuring personnel are equipped to handle risks, yet they do not directly represent the ORM framework's risk-benefit analysis focus. This makes cost and benefit analysis the most aligned choice with the purpose of ORM.