What is the expected outcome of an after-action review?

• A. To analyze performance, identify gaps, and implement improvements
• B. To assign blame
• C. To end the drill
• D. To log only times

Answer: (A)

After-action reviews are about learning and improving performance. The main goal is to look back at what happened in the activity, understand what went as planned and what didn’t, and then decide on concrete steps to close any gaps. This means analyzing how the team performed, pinpointing where weaknesses or gaps in procedures or coordination occurred, and agreeing on improvements you’ll put into practice to do better next time. It’s a forward-looking process that emphasizes corrective actions, accountability, and enhancing readiness, not assigning fault. That’s why the outcome centers on identifying gaps and implementing improvements rather than ending the drill, logging only times, or blaming others.