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

The purpose of the After-Action Review (AAR) is fundamentally about fostering a collective understanding among participants regarding the events that took place during training exercises. This process encourages open dialogue in which all participants reflect on the actions taken, the outcomes achieved, and the lessons learned.

Through this method, soldiers can identify not only what transpired but also the reasoning behind decisions and actions during the event. This collaborative assessment helps reinforce learning points and clarifies any misunderstandings, contributing to individual and team development. By focusing on collective experiences, AARs create a more holistic learning environment that improves future performance and training effectiveness.

While critiquing the planning process and providing future recommendations are useful aspects of the review, the primary objective remains centered on helping participants comprehend the training experience as a whole, thereby enhancing their capacities in subsequent similar situations.