What is the purpose of After Action Reviews (AARs)?

The purpose of After Action Reviews (AARs) is to improve training based on what actually happened during an exercise or operation and what should have happened. AARs are structured reviews that allow participants to analyze events and identify lessons learned, successes, and areas for improvement. This process encourages open discussion and constructive feedback, fostering a culture of continuous learning within the unit. By focusing on the outcomes and collective experiences, AARs help leaders and soldiers understand the effectiveness of their tactics and strategies, ultimately enhancing future performance and readiness.

The approach of AARs is not to critique individual performances, as this could create a defensive atmosphere that discourages honest reflection. Similarly, the reviews do not focus solely on successful tactics; instead, they aim to highlight both successes and failures to provide a comprehensive understanding of what transpired. Finalizing training schedules is also outside the scope of AARs, which are more concerned with evaluating specific actions and outcomes rather than administrative planning. Therefore, option C is the most accurate representation of the purpose of After Action Reviews.