What are the potential consequences of skipping the assessment step in DIDEA?

The assessment step in the DIDEA (Decide, Initiate, Direct, Execute, Assess) Direct Fire Engagement Process is critical because it allows for evaluating the effectiveness of the engagement and determining what worked well and what did not. By skipping this step, forces risk overlooking valuable lessons and insights gained from the engagement, which can lead to repeated mistakes in future operations. This lack of assessment means that opportunities for improvement are missed, thus increasing the likelihood of facing similar challenges again, potentially putting troops at greater risk.

By assessing the outcomes, units can identify areas for improvement in tactics, techniques, and procedures, ensuring that lessons learned inform future engagements. Hence, the potential consequences of not conducting a thorough assessment can severely affect operational effectiveness and troop safety going forward.