Як проводити Аналіз проведених дій, або АПД (After action review – AAR)

Summary

The script emphasizes the significance of the After Action Review (AAR) or analysis of actions (АПД) in military decision-making. It explores its historical roots, starting with Samuel Lyman Etwood Marshall's method of oral history and its evolution into the AAR used by modern militaries. The AAR is presented as a tool for commanders to assess performance, identify mistakes, and improve decision-making while fostering unity and motivation within the team. Through practical examples, the script highlights the value of this simple yet powerful tool for enhancing both tactical success and team cohesion.

Takeaways

• 😀 AAR (After Action Review) is a valuable tool for commanders to analyze mistakes, learn from them, and enhance decision-making skills.
• 😀 The method of AAR originated from World War II and evolved from the 'oral history' method developed by historian Samuel Lyman Etwood Marshall.
• 😀 AAR was initially used by the U.S. military for training simulations and later expanded to real combat units due to its simplicity and effectiveness.
• 😀 The key to a successful AAR is the use of four open-ended questions to encourage reflection: What was planned? What actually happened? Why did it happen that way? What can be done differently next time?
• 😀 The method promotes team cohesion and motivation by allowing soldiers to analyze their actions and learn from mistakes in a constructive way.
• 😀 Criticizing actions in a disrespectful or demeaning way (e.g., calling soldiers 'calves') is counterproductive and damages morale.
• 😀 AAR fosters a learning environment by helping soldiers understand the reasons behind actions and decisions, which enhances their critical thinking skills.
• 😀 The process of AAR should be conducted soon after a task to ensure that memory is fresh, allowing for detailed and accurate discussions.
• 😀 AAR should be done in small groups to ensure everyone has the opportunity to speak and contribute to the discussion without turning it into a formal report.
• 😀 The key benefits of AAR include improved decision-making, a sense of accountability, better teamwork, and the ability to adapt and overcome challenges more effectively.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the After Action Review (AAR)?

The main purpose of the AAR is to analyze actions taken during a task or mission to learn from mistakes, improve decision-making, and enhance teamwork and motivation within the unit.

How does the AAR help in improving leadership and decision-making skills?

The AAR helps leaders by encouraging self-reflection and the analysis of decisions made during missions, helping them improve their strategic thinking and leadership abilities. It also allows soldiers to learn from their own experiences.

What are the four key questions that make up the AAR process?

The four key questions in the AAR process are: 1) What was planned or what was the task? 2) What actually happened? 3) Why did things happen the way they did, including mistakes? 4) What can be done differently next time to improve performance?

Why is the method of critical evaluation considered ineffective in military settings?

The method of critical evaluation, where commanders criticize subordinates harshly, is ineffective because it harms motivation, morale, and unit cohesion. It fails to improve training and instead leads to negative emotional responses and defensiveness.

How does the AAR method improve communication and trust within a unit?

The AAR method fosters open communication by encouraging soldiers to share their perspectives on what happened during a task. It ensures mutual understanding of the mission, clarifies roles, and builds trust between the commander and subordinates.

What role does the 'cause and effect' discussion play in the AAR?

The 'cause and effect' discussion in the AAR helps soldiers identify the reasons behind specific actions and decisions made during the mission. This analysis allows them to understand what went wrong and how they can avoid similar mistakes in the future.

What is the benefit of using open-ended questions in an AAR?

Open-ended questions encourage detailed responses, allowing soldiers to reflect more deeply on their actions and decisions. This approach also helps uncover insights and areas for improvement without forcing defensive answers.

How does the AAR contribute to a soldier's personal and professional growth?

The AAR contributes to a soldier's growth by promoting self-reflection, critical thinking, and the ability to learn from mistakes. It helps soldiers become more competent decision-makers and fosters continuous learning and development.

What is the significance of having soldiers self-evaluate their performance during an AAR?

Having soldiers self-evaluate their performance in the AAR process enhances their ownership of mistakes and successes. It encourages them to take responsibility for their actions and motivates them to improve their skills and decision-making.

How does the AAR enhance team cohesion and motivation?

The AAR strengthens team cohesion by creating a platform for discussing challenges and achievements. It fosters mutual support, encourages accountability, and reinforces the idea that the team's collective success is more important than individual failure.