ICS: After-Action Reviews

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After-Action Reviews: Learning Before the Next Crisis

Every incident teaches lessons—but only if someone takes the time to listen. In the Incident Command System (ICS), learning doesn’t wait months or years. It happens deliberately and soon, while memories are fresh. This process is called the After-Action Review (AAR), and it is one of the most powerful tools for improving readiness without adding new gear or expenses.

An AAR turns experience into wisdom. It ensures that the next response is better than the last.

The ICS Concept: Learning Is Part of the Mission

ICS treats learning as an operational requirement, not an optional discussion. An After-Action Review answers four simple questions:

  1. What was supposed to happen?
  2. What actually happened?
  3. Why were there differences?
  4. What should we sustain or improve?

This structure keeps the discussion focused, factual, and productive. It avoids blame and instead looks for systems, decisions, and conditions that influenced the outcome.

Why It Matters

Without an AAR, mistakes repeat themselves. Small problems become habits. Good ideas are forgotten. ICS uses AARs to prevent that drift.

  • Strengths are preserved. What worked should be repeated.
  • Weaknesses are identified. Problems are addressed while they’re still clear.
  • Trust improves. People feel heard when their input matters.
  • Confidence grows. Teams know they’re getting better over time.

An AAR is not a critique of people—it’s a review of processes.

Great Plains Examples

1. Post-Storm Power Outage

After electricity is restored, a family or neighborhood group might discover:

  • The generator schedule worked well.
  • Fuel tracking broke down after the second day.
  • Communication check-ins drifted later each night.

An AAR captures those insights before memory fades.

2. Tornado Shelter Activation

A church shelter might learn:

  • Intake procedures were smooth.
  • Signage confused new arrivals.
  • Volunteer rotation was too slow.

These lessons directly inform future plans.

3. Winter Storm Preparedness Drill

Even drills benefit from AARs. A tabletop exercise may reveal:

  • Unclear leadership roles.
  • Missing contact information.
  • Supplies that were assumed—but not confirmed.

How to Conduct a Simple After-Action Review

An AAR does not need to be formal or lengthy. A 15–30 minute discussion is often enough.

  1. Hold It Soon.
    Within 24–72 hours while details are still clear.
  2. Set the Tone.
    No blame. No rank. Honest reflection.
  3. Stick to the Four Questions.
    Keep discussion focused and productive.
  4. Capture Key Points.
    Write down what to sustain and what to improve.
  5. Assign Follow-Up.
    Improvements need owners and timelines.

What AARs Are Not

  • They are not complaint sessions.
  • They are not performance reviews.
  • They are not rehashing arguments.
  • They are not about assigning fault.

The goal is learning—not judgment.

Optional Sidebar: The “One-Page AAR”

For families or small groups, a simple format works best:

• What worked
• What didn’t
• One thing to improve next time

Even this minimal review builds better preparedness over time.

Takeaway

Experience alone doesn’t make you better. Reflection does.

đŸ“˜ This article is part of the Prepper ICS Training Series.
View the full schedule and resources at the ICS Training Home Page.

© 2025 Prepper on the Plains — All rights reserved.

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