Battle Command AAR methodology: a paradigm for effective training

An old Army adage claims, “If no assessment has been made, then no training has been conducted.” While unit exercises through the battalion level can be effectively observed and assessed, it is difficult to assess exercises conducted at the division and corps levels using traditional means. The number and physical separation of the participating elements, including players, opposing forces and exercise control, constitute significant obstacles to comprehensive observation, correlation and assessment of exercise events and actions. The Battle Command Training Program´s After Action Review (AAR) methodology, used in conjunction with simulations and supporting technology, provides an effective means for training assessment in large formations. This is accomplished through use of a simulation as an exercise driver, automation of AAR data collection, automation support for analysis and AAR product preparation, distributed AARs, and by linking widely separated players, supporting units and opposing forces over a wide area network (WAN)