How does FM 7-1 suggest assessing training effectiveness?

FM 7-1 emphasizes the importance of after-action reviews (AARs) and performance evaluations as critical methods for assessing training effectiveness. After-action reviews provide a structured process for discussing what happened during a training exercise, what went well, and what could be improved. This feedback loop is essential for fostering learning and ensuring that training objectives are met.

Performance evaluations complement this process by providing insights into individual and unit performance against established criteria. Together, these two methods help identify both strengths and areas needing improvement, enabling organizations to refine and enhance future training efforts.

While the other methods mentioned have their benefits in evaluating various aspects of performance, they do not provide the immediate and specific feedback necessary for assessing the effectiveness of training in the way that after-action reviews and performance evaluations do.