What is the primary purpose of the After Action Review (AAR)?

The primary purpose of the After Action Review (AAR) is to evaluate performance and identify lessons learned. AARs are critical components in the military and organizational learning processes because they facilitate a structured review of what happened during a mission or training exercise. By focusing on performance evaluation, AARs allow participants to analyze both successful actions and areas for improvement, which is essential for individual and team development. Lessons learned during these reviews help in enhancing future operations by applying insights gained from real experiences.

Additionally, AARs promote a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging open discussion and feedback among team members, which ultimately leads to better operational effectiveness and readiness. The identification of lessons learned from an AAR informs training programs and enhances strategic planning, but the core focus remains on evaluating past performance to inform future actions.