PRINTABLE TEMPLATE
What should a milsim after-action review include?
Record the intended task, what actually happened, where information was lost, what helped, what created friction and one change to test next time. Describe observable events rather than assigning blame.
MILSIM FIELD GUIDE / AAR-01
After Action Review
Facilitate a review without turning it into a debate
- Restate the intended task before discussing outcomes.
- Ask each person for one observation, not a verdict.
- Separate communication, planning, equipment and event-rule issues.
- Select one change the team can actually test.
- Assign an owner and a check for the next session.
Use evidence you can revisit
Useful evidence can include the organizer's objective wording, a route note, a time-stamped change announcement or a simple equipment-use tally. Do not record private participant information that is unnecessary for the review.
FIELD QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
How long should an AAR take?
A small recreational team can often complete a focused review in ten to fifteen minutes by choosing one improvement rather than revisiting every moment.
Should an AAR identify who made a mistake?
Focus first on observable conditions, information flow and responsibilities. Blame usually hides the process change that would help next time.
How many changes should a team choose?
Choose one high-value change that has an owner and a simple way to verify it at the next session.