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

The purpose of an After Action Review (AAR) is primarily to identify areas of improvement following an operation or exercise. This structured review process allows participants to assess what happened, why it happened, and how the outcomes can be enhanced in the future. By focusing on areas for development, teams can learn from their experiences, adapt their strategies, and implement changes that strengthen performance in upcoming endeavors.

While celebrating successes can be part of the discussion in an AAR, the overarching goal is to learn and improve. Documenting operational procedures may occur as part of the broader review process, but it is not the central aim of an AAR. Similarly, reviewing the uniform code is not a component of this evaluative process, as the focus is specifically on actions taken and outcomes achieved in operations. Overall, the emphasis on continuous improvement and learning is what distinguishes the AAR as a valuable tool for enhancing operational effectiveness.