What is the main goal of an After Action Review (AAR)?

The primary goal of an After Action Review (AAR) is to provide a structured process for participants to learn from their experiences during a training exercise or operation. This debriefing allows soldiers and leaders to reflect on what happened, identify successes as well as areas for improvement, and generate insights that can enhance future performance. The AAR encourages honest and open dialogue, fostering an environment where lessons learned can be discussed and incorporated into future training and operational planning.

The focus is on collaborative learning, where participants analyze their actions and the outcomes of those actions in order to adapt and improve. This process not only helps individuals grow but also strengthens the unit as a whole by consolidating knowledge and encouraging continuous improvement.

Other options, while potentially relevant to other military processes, do not encapsulate the main focus of an AAR. Evaluating resources, establishing regulations, and measuring fitness outcomes are important aspects of military operations but are not the primary intent of conducting an AAR, which is fundamentally about reflection and learning from experiences.