What documentation is essential for conducting an After Action Review (AAR)?

The essential documentation for conducting an After Action Review (AAR) is an evaluation of mission results. This evaluation serves as a critical component of the AAR process as it provides a comprehensive assessment of how the mission was executed compared to the objectives that were set. Understanding the mission results allows leaders and participants to analyze what happened during the operation, identify successes and shortcomings, and derive lessons learned.

An evaluation of mission results typically includes metrics and observations related to the effectiveness of strategies employed, the performance of units, and the overall outcomes. This information is crucial for fostering an environment of continuous improvement, enabling teams to adjust tactics and strategies in future operations based on informed insights derived from actual experiences.

While aspects such as morale, personnel lists, and terrain analysis can provide context and contribute to a more holistic AAR, they do not encapsulate the specific mission results. The focus on mission outcomes is what ultimately drives the learning and development aspect of the AAR process.