text: Appendix K
  Reviewing the After Action Review Plan
  K-21. The AAR plan is only a guide. Leaders and evaluators regularly review the AAR plan during training
  meetings to ensure the training meeting stays on topic and the plan meets the unit’s training needs.
  Commanders, leaders, and evaluators can adjust the plan as necessary, but changes take preparation and
  planning time away from subordinate leaders or evaluators.
  Using After Action Review Facilitators
  K-22. AAR facilitators are either internal or external evaluators. Internal facilitators participate in the training
  and are part of the organization whereas external facilitators do not. Facilitators have the responsibility to
  make and consolidate insights, observations, and lessons to facilitate the discussion of what happened. They
  accurately record what they see and hear to prevent loss of valuable information and feedback. These records
  include events, actions, and observations by time sequence. Facilitators use any recording system—such as
  notebooks, mobile devices, prepared forms, index cards, or video cameras—as long as it is reliable and
  sufficiently detailed (identifying times, places, and names). A recording system notates the date-time group
  of each observation so evaluators can easily integrate their observations with observations of other evaluators.
  This collection of observations provides a comprehensive and detailed overview of what happened.
  K-23. Facilitators determine when and where to observe training. The best location is where the performance
  of important tasks will occur. They do not always need to stay close to the unit leader. They should position
  themselves to avoid distracting training participants. Facilitators also avoid compromising the unit’s location
  or guidance by being obvious. They are professional, courteous, and as unobtrusive as possible at all times.
  They look and act like a member of the unit. For example, facilitators use individual and vehicle camouflage,
  movement techniques, and cover and concealment.
  Selecting After Action Review Sites
  K-24. AARs occur at or near the training site. During formal AARs, leaders identify and inspect designated
  AAR sites and prepare a site diagram showing the placement of training aids and other equipment. Designated
  AAR sites allow pre-positioning of training aids and rapid assembly of key personnel, minimizing wasted
  time.
  K-25. An effective AAR site allows Soldiers to see the terrain where training took place. If this is not possible,
  the trainer finds a location that allows them to see the terrain where the most critical or significant actions
  occurred. Time and resources determine the type and complexity of the terrain model, enlarged map, sketch,
  or copy of the unit’s graphics.
  Collecting Observations
  K-26. Leaders and senior evaluators need a complete picture of what happened during the training to conduct
  an effective AAR. During an informal AAR, the leader or facilitator can rely upon the input from the unit
  during the AAR or gather observations from subordinates and OPFOR (if applicable). The observations
  gathered assist the leader with gaining an understanding of the operation from subordinate leaders that help
  drive the AAR.
  K-27. During a formal AAR, the senior evaluator receives input from subordinates, supporting units, and
  adjacent units. This combined input provides the senior evaluator with a comprehensive review of the
  observed unit and its impact on the higher unit’s mission. The senior evaluator also receives input from
  OPFOR leaders, players, and evaluators.
  Organizing the After Action Review
  K-28. The facilitator gathers all the information from evaluators and observers and organizes notes in a
  chronological sequence to understand the flow of events. The facilitator selects and sequences key events of
  the operation in their relevance to the commander’s guidance, training objectives, tasks to train, and key
  discussion or teaching points.