Which statement best describes the relationship between the risk and protective factors on the DEOCS and the strategic target outcomes (STOs)?

• A. The risk and protective factors on the DEOCS measure climate factors that increase or decrease the likelihood of the STOs
• B. They measure only physical readiness as an STO
• C. They assess financial risk within the unit
• D. They predict only individual behaviors unrelated to STOs

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that DEOCS risk and protective factors reflect elements of the command climate that shape whether strategic target outcomes are likely to be met. Protective factors—such as strong trust in leadership, fairness, supportive teamwork, and open communication—help create conditions that support STOs. Risk factors—like perceived unfairness, low morale, or poor leadership—raise barriers and make STOs less likely to be achieved. Since STOs are organizational outcomes tied to readiness and performance, the DEOCS connects climate directly to those outcomes. That’s why describing the factors as measuring climate elements that increase or decrease the likelihood of the STOs is the best fit. The other options describe narrower or unrelated foci and don’t capture how climate factors influence STO achievement.