text: Appendix K
  Summarize What Happened
  K-36. The facilitator guides the review using a logical sequence of events to describe and discuss what
  happened. The facilitator and participants determine to the extent possible what actually happened during the
  training event, phase, or operation. The leader gathers as many views or perspectives (such as from the
  OPFOR, squad leader, team leader, and rifleman) as possible. These varied perspectives help the facilitator
  to establish a common understanding. Leaders then understand the complexity of an event and work to solve
  complex, ill-defined problems.
  K-37. The facilitator does not ask yes or no questions but encourages participation and guides discussion by
  using open-ended, leading questions. An open-ended question allows the person answering to reply based on
  what was significant to the Soldier. Open-ended questions are also much less likely to put Soldiers on the
  defensive; these questions are more effective in finding out what happened. As the discussion expands and
  more Soldiers add their perspectives, a clearer picture of what really happened emerges. The facilitator does
  not tell the Soldiers or leaders what was good or bad. The facilitator ensures that participants reveal specific
  issues, both positive and negative.
  Identify What Needs Improvement or Sustainment
  K-38. The unit discusses both its successes and failures in the context of the training mission, objectives, and
  performance measures. Participants consider whether the resulting decisions and actions were ethical,
  effective, and efficient. To sustain success, the unit needs to know what it performs well. Also participants
  concentrate on identifying what went wrong and not on the person responsible. If necessary, it is better to
  identify the duty position rather than the person. For example, they refer to “the platoon leader” rather than
  to “2LT Wilson.”
  Determine How the Task Should Be Done Differently
  K-39. The facilitator helps the unit determine a more effective method for the unit to perform the task in the
  future. The unit identifies conditions to modify to increase complexity. A more complex training environment
  challenges leaders and subordinates so they can better identify opportunities to take prudent risk within the
  commander’s guidance. Additionally, the facilitator guides the discussion to determine a more effective
  method the unit can implement to train the tasks to achieve the commander’s guidance.
  Provide Closing Comments
  K-40. During the summary, the facilitator reviews and summarizes key points identified during the
  discussion. The AAR ends on a constructive note and links conclusions to future training. The facilitator then
  leaves the immediate area so the unit or subordinate leaders and Soldiers can discuss the training in private.
  STEP 3: EVALUATE
  K-41. AARs provide leaders a critical tool to evaluate training. Through the professional and candid
  discussion of performance, Soldiers can compare their performance against the standard and identify specific
  ways to improve proficiency. The benefits of AARs come from applying results in developing future training.
  Commanders use the results gathered from AARs to help assess unit performance and to plan future training.
  STEP 4: INTEGRATE AND SHARE LESSONS LEARNED
  K-42. Implementing and sharing lessons learned from AARs are an important last step in the AAR process.
  Commanders must use AARs and lessons learned to shape training and operations to correct identified
  deficiencies and sustain superior performance. Lessons learned from the AAR process are always recorded.
  Additionally, at higher echelons the results of AARs and their lessons learned are shared with other units—
  and the Army—in the after action report.
  K-43. Commanders organize and write after action reports and lessons learned in a logical, chronological
  order, usually by operational phase or warfighting function. The after action report provides observations and
  insights from the lessons learned that allow the unit to reflect on the operation, and share these lessons with