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After Action Review (AAR) – Part 1

How to Conduct an Effective After Action Review (AAR)

An AAR is a professional discussion of an event. The objective is to identify successes and failures. It is a tool that leaders, teams, crews, and units can use to get maximum learning benefit from every incident or project. It is essential for wildland firefighters to learn from mistakes and to capitalize on successes. It is considered a valuable tool in high-risk professions, where the smallest mistakes can lead to disastrous results. An AAR is not a critique and not a forum to assign blame. It is an open, honest, and professional discussion for purposes of improvement.

Once you (the leader/facilitator) have demonstrated that the AAR works and that it will be part of your team's standard operating procedures, the discussion will become more open. Finding out what they did is not nearly as important as why they did it. Good active listening skills are essential. Do not immediately try to solve or correct the issue, but let it play out. Try to get to the root of the issue. The leader must be a part of the AAR and will have to accept criticism. This is important because the team will be looking for affirmation of the AAR process.

  •  An AAR is performed as immediately after the event as possible by the personnel involved.
  • The leader’s role is to ensure skilled facilitation of the AAR.
  • Reinforce that respectful disagreement is okay. Keep focused on the what, not the who.
  • Make sure everyone participates.
  • Pay attention to time.
  • Establish clear ground rules: encourage candor and openness, all participants have equal ownership, focus on improving performance, and keep all discussions confidential.
  • End the AAR on a positive note.

1. What was planned?

Review the intent of the mission
Desired end state (what does right look like).

2. What actually happened?

Establish the facts
Pool multiple perspectives to build a shared picture of what happened.

3. Why did it happen?

Analysis of cause and effect
Provide progressive refinement for drawing out explanations of what occurred.

4. What are we going to do next time?

Correct weaknesses and sustain strengths
Focus on items you can fix, rather than external forces outside of your control.

 

Also see: AAR part 2

References:

Category
Fire Communication

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NEW! S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended) Available Now

Date: December 18, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended) is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal!

This blended course combines online learning with instructor-led training, designed for individuals seeking to build leadership skills and gain experience in incident management.

Students are required to complete the prerequisite trainings ICS-100, Introduction to Incident Command System (ICS), ICS-200, Basic ICS for Initial Response, and ICS-700, An Introduction to the National Incident Management System (NIMS) prior to attending S-320.

References:

S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

New! Ransom Road WFSTAR Module

Date: December 16, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: NWCG Audiovisual Specialist

NWCG is excited to announce the release of the new Ransom Road Fire Module to RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR).

This module features a firsthand account from Rob Lee, official reports, and animated maps of the Ransom Road Fire which occurred on June 8, 1981, in Florida's Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

The module is available now in NWCG's RT-130, WFSTAR Catalog.

References:

WFSTAR Catalog

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

Call for Nominations: Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

Date: December 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
 Leadership Committee 

Do you know someone working in wildland fire who strives to make positive change and is undeterred by obstacles or setbacks? Now is your chance to give that person the acknowledgment they deserve by nominating them for a Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award.

This award, is presented by the NWCG Leadership Committee to remember Paul Gleason's contributions to the wildland fire community and to recognize individuals or groups that exhibit the same spirit and dedication to leadership – those who lead by example.

Nominations can be submitted via email with an attached Lead by Example Form to BLM_FA_Leadership_Feedback@blm.gov or through the online form. 

Tips for successful nominations and more information can be found on the Lead by Example webpage. All nominations must be submitted by December 31, 2025.

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award 

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award Nomination Form 2025 

Leadership Committee 

Coming Soon! Ransom Road WFSTAR Module

Date: December 9, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: NWCG Audiovisual Specialist

On June 8, 1981, the Ransom Road Fire swept across Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Florida, marking a defining moment in wildland fire management. This event led directly to the creation of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's professional fire program.

Later this month, NWCG will release a compelling video that brings the Ransom Road Fire to life through firsthand accounts, official reports, and animated maps. Rob Lee, second on site during the deployment, shares his powerful recollections of that day. 

This video will be going live later this month in NWCG's RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) Catalogue.

References:

WFSTAR Catalogue 

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center