During training, what role do AARs serve?

AARs, or After Action Reviews, play a critical role in the training process by facilitating a thorough review and learning from training experiences. The primary objective of an AAR is to analyze what transpired during the exercise, enabling participants to understand the strengths and weaknesses of their performance. By focusing on lessons learned, AARs help individuals and units reflect on their actions, identify areas for improvement, and reinforce successful tactics and strategies. This reflection fosters a culture of continuous learning within the military environment.

Understanding this process emphasizes the importance of AARs in developing effective training methods that enhance overall performance. While immediate assessments, future mission outlines, or role assignments may be elements in the broader training context, they do not capture the essence of what AARs are fundamentally designed to do.