What is the purpose of after-action reviews (AAR) in the military?

The purpose of after-action reviews (AAR) in the military is to assess performance, identify lessons learned, and improve future operations. AARs are systematic reviews conducted after military operations, exercises, or training sessions to evaluate what happened, why it happened, and how operations can be improved in the future. This process facilitates a culture of continuous learning and adaptation, allowing military personnel to reflect on both successes and failures.

By focusing on lessons learned, AARs encourage constructive feedback and open dialogue among team members, enhancing operational effectiveness and readiness for future missions. Incorporating these lessons fosters an environment where constant improvement is prioritized, leading to better strategic planning and execution.

While celebrating mission successes can be a part of the AAR process, the primary goal is broader and more focused on learning from experiences. Training new recruits typically involves structured programs distinct from the retrospective insights gained in AARs. Allocating resources for future missions can be influenced by the insights derived from AARs but is not the primary function of the review itself.