Which sequence lists the four parts of the AAR?

Which sequence lists the four parts of the AAR?

• A. Review what happened; Establish what was supposed to happen; Determine how to improve; Determine what was right or wrong
• B. Analyze what happened; Review what was supposed to happen; Establish what happened; Implement changes
• C. Review what was supposed to happen; Determine how to perform better; Establish what happened; Determine how to improve
• D. Review what was supposed to happen; Establish what happened; Determine what was right or wrong with what happened; Determine how the task should be done differently the next time

Answer: (D)

This sequence matches how an After Action Review is typically structured: first you restate the plan—what was supposed to happen. Then you look at what actually occurred during the event or task. After that, you evaluate the outcomes by identifying what went right and what went wrong. Finally, you determine concrete changes to how the task should be done next time to improve performance. This order is critical because you need a clear comparison between intent and reality before you can judge effectiveness or identify gaps, and only after that can you prescribe actionable improvements for the future.

This sequence matches how an After Action Review is typically structured: first you restate the plan—what was supposed to happen. Then you look at what actually occurred during the event or task. After that, you evaluate the outcomes by identifying what went right and what went wrong. Finally, you determine concrete changes to how the task should be done next time to improve performance. This order is critical because you need a clear comparison between intent and reality before you can judge effectiveness or identify gaps, and only after that can you prescribe actionable improvements for the future.