Who is the risk decision authority for martial arts training in a unit?

• A. The safety officer
• B. The Training NCO
• C. The appropriate commander based on the level of training, such as the platoon or company commander.
• D. The MAI

Answer: (C)

The decision about accepting and approving risk for martial arts training in a unit sits with the commander at the level responsible for that training, such as the platoon commander or the company commander. This is because risk decisions must align with the unit’s mission, priorities, and overall risk tolerance, and the commander holds the ultimate accountability for both mission success and soldier safety.

The safety officer provides hazard identification, risk assessments, and safety recommendations, serving as an important advisor, but does not unilaterally authorize the training’s risk level. The martial arts instructor handles the training content, pedagogy, and safety procedures during instruction, while the Training NCO coordinates the training program and resources. Neither independently owns the risk decision for the event; that authority resides with the appropriate commander who reviews the input and makes the final call to proceed, modify, or cancel.