# End of Mission Debriefing & After-Action Review
## Debriefs
### Mission Debrief
Units should address mission debrief procedures in their SOP. They should conduct mission debriefs as soon as practical upon completion of the mission. All mission personnel should attend. Mission debriefs cover mission planning, preparation, and execution phases. The purpose is to capture what happened during a mission to ensure all requirements were achieved. The intent is to capture better SA/understanding and intelligence of the area. Table 2-6, shows an example mission debrief format
#### Team
Platoons and sections operating independently from company headquarters (in support of BCT for example) conduct the same debriefs and are responsible for submitting information to the S-2/S-3 and platoon’s/section’s respective commander
#### Company
Commanders ensure unit personnel conduct mission debriefs as soon as practical upon completion of the mission, with all mission personnel attending. Mission debriefs cover mission planning, preparation, and execution phases with a focus on how to improve the operation. Additionally, the commander ensures the higher headquarters S-2/S-3 receives debrief information and is afforded the opportunity to debrief the crew if warranted
Battalion S-2/S-3
The front line Soldier is another extremely valuable intelligence source. Commanders instill in crew members they are reconnaissance Soldiers fighting for and confirming intelligence. Their sightings and reporting of any activity (or lack thereof) may make the difference between victory and defeat. The S-2 debriefs aircrews as an essential part of gathering information. The crews provide the S-2 with all sketches, checklist and video imagery collected during the mission.
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## After-Action Review
### Purpose
An after-action review (AAR) is a structured review process of an event, focused on performance standards, enabling Soldiers to discover for themselves what happened, why it happened, and how to sustain strengths and improve future operations. It is a tool that leaders and units can use to obtain maximum benefit from every mission or task. The AAR consists of the following four parts:
* Review what was supposed to happen (training plan).
* Establish what happened.
* Determine what was right or wrong with what happened.
* Determine how the task should be done differently next time.
Unit AARs focus on individual and collective task performance, identifying shortcomings and training required to correct any deficiencies. AARs with leaders focus on tactical judgment. These AARs contribute to leader learning and provide opportunities for leader development. AARs with trainers, evaluators, observer controllers, and opposing forces provide additional opportunities for leader development.
If applicable, AARs are forwarded to the next higher headquarters S-3. Commanders should emphasize what they believe to be key critical elements within the AAR
### Application to Future Missions Training
Each AAR has a direct impact on the next mission or training event. Commanders review and annotate recommendations from AARs. The commander can then implement recommendations he feels are necessary to enhance mission execution and safety. The commander ensures all leaders (officer and NCO) review the AAR with his comments posted. These include improvements to the SOP, TTPs, battle drills and, at a minimum, include mission critical elements. This allows officers and NCOs to learn from the AAR and understand the commander’s guidance on recommendations.
Following the reviews and commander’s guidance, the recommendations are highlighted in planning the next mission or training event. Following the mission or training, the debrief covers the results of an implemented recommendation. The commander reviews the outcome and determines if he wants to continue as recommended or modify the recommendation for a better outcome
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