What is the purpose of an After Action Report? Do you think they improve anything?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 01:22:06 -0400

I know I don't see the top side of this being where I'm at but what's the point of AAR's? Do you think they improve anything? Does it take a measure of time?

I say this because when you see the same thing over and over again it makes you wonder. Then you see Top or SGM roll in, get pissed about what you found negative in the first place and boom problem solved.

Response by 1SG David Niles made Jun 2 at 2017 1:25 AM

1SG David Niles — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 01:25:24 -0400

Goes with anything, it is what you make of it, if you learn from them, then good if you are afraid to tell the emperor he is nacked then no

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jun 2 at 2017 1:48 AM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 01:48:38 -0400

A well done AAR can mean the diff between life and death for soldiers. An AAR that is done poorly is a waste of time- garbage in garbage out. But that's like most things: counselings, PT, development plans, etc.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2017 4:09 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 04:09:26 -0400

I think it has to do with the one conducting the AAR and the circumstances. For example an AAR at the end of a 2 week validation FTX would be a lot more beneficial, more professional, and taken more seriously than say those done everyday after a PT session by whatever Joe ran PT that day.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Jun 2 at 2017 4:28 AM

1stSgt Eugene Harless — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 04:28:21 -0400

Its a tool. It depends on how its used.

Response by SSG William Sutter made Jun 2 at 2017 5:47 AM

SSG William Sutter — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 05:47:03 -0400

I use to work in the S3 as a planner and I would compile those AARs. Afterwards they get submitted to Big Army (So to speak) and I keep a copy for future reference. Anytime we start a planning process for something new we would go to big army and find AARs from others and implement changes to a plan we are working to prevent the same mistake others made. Not every one does this but they should.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2017 8:16 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 08:16:49 -0400

Check out "Leader's Guide to After-Action Reviews (AAR)" published by US Army Combined Arms Center in September 2011. This version replaced TC 25-20 from September 1993.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2017 8:18 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 08:18:25 -0400

They are most certainly beneficial if they are done correctly and the lessons learned are actually implemented in future operations.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2017 8:29 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 08:29:52 -0400

In theory, AARs are reviewed prior to executing similar training or missions in the future in order to refine performance and eliminate frictions to execution. In practice, that means they have to be accessible (there's the rub, in my opinion) and part of the unit SOP or checklist during the planning process.
If your unit doesn't do that, you will see the same issues crop up repeatedly.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jun 2 at 2017 9:15 AM

MSG Brad Sand — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 09:15:23 -0400

AARs are VERY useful IF properly conducted and used.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Jun 2 at 2017 9:53 AM

SGT Dave Tracy — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 09:53:29 -0400

A well conducted AAR is often useful. Granted not all AARs are well conducted or are very illuminating. Often the most useful aspect of an AAR comes from the varying perspectives of people other than those in charge of whatever was being reviewed. I have noticed those who hate AARs the most are the ones who can't stand anything that even resembles criticism.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jun 3 at 2017 1:08 AM

COL Charles Williams — Sat, 03 Jun 2017 01:08:40 -0400

Yes... they do... are you kidding? What was supposed to happen, what actually happened, and how do we do better next time? Reflection is key to improvement...

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Jun 4 at 2017 1:17 PM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Sun, 04 Jun 2017 13:17:05 -0400

AARs were absolutely essential in any successful unit I was involved with; in fact, the best commanders I served with were insistent and specific in their use. After any unit exercise or mission, we used a two phase AAR. Immediately after the commitment was completed, my unit had a "hot wash" where key personnel (department heads, subordinate unit commanders, and supporting unit commanders) would gather for a review of what had happened, good and bad, with suggestions for improvement. Formal AARs were then produced by all concerned, staffed and formal suggestions made at all levels. Weaknesses were revealed and addressed immediately to improve operations, planning and overall effectiveness.