Which factor should always be prioritized according to RM principles?

Minimizing casualties is prioritized according to Risk Management (RM) principles because the primary goal of RM is to protect personnel and resources while still accomplishing mission objectives. In situations where risks are present, it is crucial to assess and mitigate those risks to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals involved. By focusing on minimizing casualties, organizations can foster a culture that emphasizes human life as the foremost value, ensuring that operational capabilities are maintained without compromising safety.

This principle aligns with the overarching framework of RM, which involves identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing measures to reduce those risks to an acceptable level where the safety of personnel is a paramount concern. Other factors, such as completing the mission or training personnel, are certainly important, but they do not take precedence over the critical importance of ensuring that individuals remain safe and healthy in potentially hazardous situations.