What is the purpose of after-action reviews (AARs)?

The purpose of after-action reviews (AARs) is to assess performance and improve future operations. AARs are designed as a constructive analysis of what happened during a mission or training event, focusing on successes and areas for improvement. The goal is to facilitate learning and ensure that lessons learned are integrated into future plans and actions.

This reflective practice allows all involved to discuss what worked well, what didn’t, and why, without the intention of assigning blame or celebrating success in isolation. Instead, the focus is on collective growth and operational effectiveness, which can be beneficial for individual Marines, units, and the entire organization.

While it's important to acknowledge successes and understand individual contributions, the primary focus of an AAR is to create a learning environment that emphasizes continuous improvement and operational readiness.