What is an 'After Action Review' (AAR) in the context of military leadership?

An 'After Action Review' (AAR) is a structured process utilized in military leadership to analyze operations and assess performance. This approach is essential for fostering continuous improvement and learning within a team or organization. During an AAR, participants review what happened during a mission or activity, discuss what went well, identify areas for improvement, and establish lessons learned that can be applied to future operations. This systematic evaluation helps to enhance individual and collective performance by ensuring that both successes and challenges are thoroughly examined.

The structured nature of an AAR sets it apart from other options. While personal feedback sessions, celebrations of successes, and informal gatherings might play a role in team dynamics and morale, they do not provide the same level of comprehensive analysis and systematic learning that an AAR offers. The focus of an AAR is on outcomes and lessons, making it a critical tool for effective military leadership and organizational development.