What typically should an after-action review (AAR) include?

An after-action review (AAR) is a structured process used to analyze what happened during a mission, training event, or operation. It serves as a critical opportunity to learn from experiences and improve future performance. The comprehensive nature of an effective AAR means that it must include a variety of elements.

Including only the outcomes of operations, as the first option suggests, would provide a narrow perspective that overlooks critical factors influencing success or failure. Whereas focusing solely on lessons learned and final recommendations, as referenced in the second option, limits the understanding of the context in which those lessons were derived.

The third option emphasizes the importance of discussing both the objectives set prior to an operation and the actual events that transpired. This comparison is essential for identifying discrepancies, understanding why objectives were or weren’t met, and informing future strategic planning.

By encompassing all these elements—objectives, outcomes, lessons learned, and recommendations—the AAR provides a holistic view of the performance during the operation. It fosters an environment of continuous learning and improvement that is vital for military effectiveness and operational success. Therefore, a comprehensive AAR must indeed incorporate all of these aspects to be truly effective in guiding future actions and strategies.