What does the acronym "AAR" stand for in military operations?

The acronym "AAR" stands for After-Action Review, which is a critical component of military operations and training. An After-Action Review is conducted after a mission or training exercise and serves as a formal process to analyze what happened, why it happened, and how it can be improved in the future. It is designed to promote learning and reflection by providing a structured approach to discuss performance outcomes and identify lessons learned.

The importance of AARs lies in their ability to foster continuous improvement within military units. By engaging in this reflective practice, troops can assess their effectiveness, evaluate their execution of tactics and strategies, and recognize strengths and weaknesses. This feedback loop is essential for enhancing mission success in future operations, making AARs a cornerstone of military training and operational effectiveness.