Who approves the risk of a unique load?

• A. Captain
• B. O-3
• C. Company Commander
• D. O-6

Answer: (D)

High-risk or non-standard loads require approval at the level of command with broad oversight and accountability. A unique load brings unusual weight, balance, rigging, and flight hazards, plus greater potential impact on the mission if something goes wrong. The authority to accept and authorize those risks sits with a senior commander—the O-6—who commands at the brigade level or equivalent and has the responsibility to balance safety, logistics, and mission success across multiple units. A Captain or Company Commander typically handles routine loads within the unit’s standard capabilities and wouldn’t authorize a risk with such wide consequences. Therefore the risk approval for a unique load is given by the O-6.