What is the primary purpose of conducting an after-action review (AAR)?

The primary purpose of conducting an after-action review (AAR) is to assess performance and identify areas for improvement. AARs provide a structured process for teams to evaluate their execution of a mission or training exercise, allowing participants to discuss what happened, why it happened, and how procedures could be enhanced in the future. This reflective practice is essential for learning and growth, as it helps individuals and groups analyze their actions critically and fosters an environment where constructive feedback can lead to better performance in subsequent operations.

This assessment process aids in capturing lessons learned, which can then be utilized to refine tactics, techniques, and procedures, ensuring that the mistakes of the past do not recur and that successes are built upon. The focus is on continuous improvement and operational effectiveness, which directly contributes to mission success. Preparing for future missions and documenting training activities are important aspects of military operations, but they are not the primary goal of an AAR; instead, those elements can be informed by the outcomes of the AAR itself.