After Action Review: A Tool for Learning
It is essential for wildland firefighters to learn from our mistakes and to capitalize on our successes. The price we pay for failure can be exceptionally high and the amount of effort put into our successes is often left unrecognized. The objective of the After Action Review is to immediately identify these success and failures. Once they have been recognized, further exploration allows the team to perfect its skills and be better prepared for future endeavors.
The After Action Review format can be adapted to a variety of audiences and environments. It takes time to develop, accept, and perfect, so be patient and don't forget to use and share what you learn.
The NWCG Leadership Subcommittee and the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center are the sponsors for this resource.
For specific information and training resources related to AARs, Click Here
Conducting Effective After Action Reviews Training Package:
This training package, a cooperative effort between the NWCG Leadership Committee and the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center, was developed specifically for the wildland fire service and consists of a PowerPoint presentation on a CD and two videos segments. The components may be utilized as separate stand-alone items or presented together for an integrated lesson. This training is designed to explain the intent and facilitation techniques for the After Action Review (AAR) process.
AAR Lesson Guide
AAR Video Segment 1
Segment 2