2-28. Commanders and their staffs use intellectual tools to help understand the operational environment and visualize and describe their approach for conducting an operation. Collectively, these tools make up the elements of operational art and include risk (see ADP 3-0). Risk is the probability and severity of loss linked to hazards. Risk, uncertainty, and chance are inherent in all military operations. Risk management is the process to identify, assess, and control risks and make decisions that balance risk cost with mission benefits (JP 3-0). It is an invaluable tool for commanders and staffs that provides a systematic and standardized process to identify hazards and react to changes within an operational environment. Commanders must understand, visualize, and describe their protection priorities clearly within their intent and guidance to ensure that proper integration and synchronization of protection assets are considered throughout the entire operation.