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

The purpose of the After Action Review (AAR) is fundamentally to facilitate learning and improvement through honest feedback. This process allows teams to reflect on their performance during an operation, assess what went well and what did not, and identify areas for improvement. By fostering a culture of open communication and constructive criticism, AARs contribute to professional growth and enhance future operational effectiveness.

The AAR is not primarily focused on documentation or summarizing achievements, which can lead to a narrow understanding of the operation's outcomes. While it may result in some documentation, the core intent is to cultivate an environment where lessons learned can be effectively shared and applied to future scenarios. Additionally, the AAR is not a disciplinary tool; its goal is not to punish individuals for mistakes but rather to learn from them to promote overall operational success. This nurturing approach reinforces skills development and team cohesion, ultimately leading to improved performance in future missions.