An after-action review (AAR) is an excellent tool for focused observations of Sailors and Marines after a potentially traumatic event. Think of its overall purpose as an opportunity to:
- Provide the most current information, so everyone is up-to-date.
- Resolve any misperceptions.
- Discuss responses to an event.
- Provide emotional support.
- Educate troops about the normal reactions and feelings that follow a trauma.
- Inform troops about where to get help.
AARs are most effective when they are run by a leader and a co-leader. The leader will act as the AAR facilitator, giving direction to the group, while the co-leader acts as an observer.
The leader keeps tabs on the individuals talking and monitors the flow of the session. The observer should focus his or her attention on the non-speaking members of the group and make mental notes about how they react to the topic at hand. General appearance and behaviors should be observed:
- Are the participants maintaining eye contact?
- How is their speech and overall demeanor?
- What is the emotional state of the group?
- Be alert to such negative emotions as grief, anger, regret, guilt and rage.
- Note such positive emotions as confidence, cohesion, pride and concern for fellow troops.
Participation in an AAR is best limited to the people who were involved in the incident under discussion. The limited size allows a better, more candid exchange of information and is more manageable for observation.
Nuts-and-Bolts Suggestions
- It is best to conduct an AAR as soon after an event as possible, but it is also important that the Marines and Sailors involved receive enough rest to recover from the event. If the AAR is held too soon after an event, participants may be too exhausted or emotionally overwhelmed; too long after the event, details will be forgotten.
- An AAR should be done in an emotionally neutral place, such as a chapel, chow hall, ship's library or a conference room.
- Encourage participants to sit in a circle; this allows for cross-talk and easier of observation of all individuals.
- Establish rules, such as, "What is said here stays here unless it involves danger to yourself or others." Tell participants that feedback is encouraged.
- At the start of the AAR, introduce the participants unless the group is too large to do this in a timely manner.
- Focus the AAR on the emotional state of the people involved; this is not a fact-finding session.
- Allow for the discussion of thoughts and reactions about the event and encourage mutual support among participants.
- After the session concludes, the leader and observer should meet to discuss any observations that warrant further steps to deal with the event discussed and then follow up with anyone they have concerns about.
Promoting Resilience