What is the purpose of the After Action Review?

The purpose of the After Action Review (AAR) is primarily to evaluate and enhance training outcomes. This process involves a structured assessment conducted after a training exercise or operation, focusing on what happened, why it happened, and how it can be improved in the future. By reflecting on the outcomes, participants can identify lessons learned and develop actionable insights that contribute to better performance in subsequent exercises or real-world scenarios.

AARs foster a culture of continuous improvement and learning, making it essential for organizations to analyze not only the successes but also the mistakes encountered during training. This evaluation helps teams understand gaps in skills or knowledge, which can then be targeted in future training efforts, ultimately leading to more effective operations.