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

The primary purpose of an After Action Review (AAR) is to analyze performance and identify lessons learned. This process is essential for continuous improvement within a unit or organization. AARs provide a structured method for participants to discuss what happened during an operation, compare it to what was expected, and identify the factors that contributed to success or failure. By focusing on lessons learned, teams can develop insights that inform future training, decision-making, and operational strategies, ultimately leading to better preparedness and effectiveness in subsequent missions.

The other options do not capture the main function of AARs. While recognizing commendations for exemplary performance can be a part of the broader debriefing process, it is not the core focus of an AAR. Planning future operations may arise from the lessons gathered, but it is not the primary purpose of an AAR. Establishing new ranks is irrelevant to the function of reviewing actions post-operation and falls outside the scope of an AAR's objectives.