ORM has four key principles that govern its application. These underlying principles should be considered before, during, and after every application of the Six-Step Process.

1. Accept no unnecessary risk.
   Of course, all USAF missions and daily routines involve risk. You must accept necessary risk required to successfully complete the mission or task. Unnecessary risk comes without a corresponding return, in terms of real benefits or available opportunities. ORM is dedicated to exposing and avoiding unnecessary risks.
2. Make risk decisions at the appropriate level.
   Those accountable for the success or failure of the mission must be included in the risk-decision process. This establishes clear accountability. Commanders must ensure that subordinates know how much risk they may accept and when they must elevate the decision to a higher level.
3. Accept the risk when the benefits outweigh the costs.
   Even high-risk endeavors may be undertaken when there is a clear knowledge that the sum of the benefits exceeds the sum of the costs. ORM is about controlling risk, not avoiding all risk.
4. Integrate ORM into Air Force doctrine and planning at all levels.
   Integrating risk management into planning as early as possible provides the decision-maker the greatest opportunity to apply ORM principles. Usually, it reduces costs and enhances ORM's overall effectiveness too.