Attachment_08_IAAR_Overview.pptx

Starts with the Rotation Brief: Commander develops his vision for I-AARs

- See yourself, see the enemy and assess your actions Defined during the IPC: Training Objectives derive best use of I-AARs

Validated during the Concept Development Conference

Approved during the Concept Brief Synchronized during the Main Planning Conference

Reviewed and Locked in during the Final Planning Conference

XCTC Academy

- Train, Synchronize and Rehearse all training support personnel (TAC/Embed focus) Rotation

End of Rotation/Recovery

The I-AAR is the “Purpose” of XCTC Training

The OC/T: is responsible to conduct an Instrument After Action Review which is a guided analysis of an organization’s performance at appropriate times during and at the conclusion of a training event. Leaders must avoid creating the environment of a critique during I-AAR. Because soldiers and leaders participate in an I-AAR actively, self-discover what happen and why, they learn more and remember more than they would from a critique alone.

The After Action Review Production Team Leader (AARP-TL): is responsible for managing the production and execution of quality multimedia Instrumented After Action Reviews.

The Mobile After Action Review Center (MAARC) Chief: is responsible for the supervision of the MAARC Operators. The MAARC Chief oversees the production and execution of quality I-AAR presentations. Works with the Tactical Analysis Center (TAC) Chief to ensure all exercise data is properly prepared and verified. Works with the OC/T to ensure proper utilization of the Flextrain system.

The Mobile After Action Review Center (MAARC) Operator: is responsible for the production and execution of the I-AAR. Works closely with the OC/T to prepare, rehearse, and prepare the I-AAR.

Hand Held Video (HHV) Operator: provides video support for the OC/T for assigned lanes to be utilized during the I-AAR.

Tactical Analysis Center (TAC) OC/T : monitors and assist the Unit and Lane OC/T by annotating key events. Monitors key events, and unit instrumentation status while conducting training. Prepares Power Point Slides. Asist with the preparation, rehearsal and I-AAR presentation.

I-AAR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Digital Dialog Tactical Dialog

FREDI-2

2 lbs, 72 hrs on MBITR battery (option for 1 lb, 8 hrs) Real time GPS and MILES PLT updates every 0.5 second BCT every 5.5 seconds Mobile Relay Tower Man Portable 40’ or trailer-mounted 100’ 7-20 km comm radius Mobile After Action Review Center (MAARC) Geospatially and temporally registered 2D, 3D, embedded video, tactical audio Data and Video Takehome Packages Virtual UAS Support S2 provides flight path coords and controls “camera” Lane OCs discuss real-time events with TAC OCs over Admin Comms network Lane or Unit OC directs videographer to capture events of interest

NOC

Interfaces to LT2 PU XML & ABCS Scalable to 65K live entities

FlexTrain Mission Support Concept As Configured for NGB XCTC

Train OC/Ts on the TAC system and operation Aline the training schedule to the unit AARs Assign training lanes to Tactical Analysis Center aka (TAC) Assign training lanes Admin comms to Tactical Analysis Center aka (TAC) Assign training units to Tactical Analysis Center aka (TAC) and Network Operations Center (NOC) for tracking Assign training units to Network Operations Center (NOC) for tactical FM comms recording patched to the Tactical Analysis Center aka (TAC) channels.

Continue to monitor for daily changes

PLAN

AAR Chief

Instrumented AARs are based on the Commander’s Training Objectives Rotational Director determines which training events correspond to an IAAR based on the training unit Commander’s guidance. Typically the Commander chooses those training events he wants for IAARs

Rotational Director passes the required IAAR events off to the I&C Chief who tasks the AAR Chief to build the IAAR schedule AAR Chief determines the quantity of MAARC/TAC systems required to meet the Commander’s IAAR intent ESC Chief and AAR Chief determine MAARC locations based on unit locations in the field to facilitate training

I-AAR schedule is produced and validated by the unit

EXAMPLE

Rotational Director works with the 1A CATB to determine TAC coverage plan by 1A OC/Ts

Rotational Director designates members of the ESC section to attend IAARs

AAR Chief:

Train OC/Ts on the TAC system and operation Aline the training schedule to the unit AARs Assign training lanes to Tactical Analysis Center aka (TAC) Assign training lanes Admin comms to Tactical Analysis Center aka (TAC) Assign training units to Tactical Analysis Center aka (TAC) and Network Operations Center (NOC) for tracking Assign training units to Network Operations Center (NOC) for tactical FM comms recording patched to the Tactical Analysis Center aka (TAC) channels.

Continue to monitor for daily changes

PREPARE

Assign training lanes to Tactical Analysis Center aka (TAC) Confirm OC/T Admin radio checks TAC operator/OC/T links up at the beach staging area and confirms lane package with lane OC/T at the beach Confirms TAC tracking at beach Open up lane book on laptop (corresponding to all tracked lanes assigned to that TAC) Open up AAR power point templet on the laptop (corresponding to all tracked lanes assigned to that TAC) Confirm radio check with unit embed OC/T and lane OC/T Radio check to unit on tactical radio to confirm unit on correct tactical comms freq Track units at the TAC station and make annotations from observing the screen and OC/T communications Pull the lanes data AAR package Verify data package AAR Chief

Preparing the I-AAR Preparation is the key to the effective execution of any plan. Preparing for an I-AAR begins before the training and continues until the conclusion of the actual event.

Review Training Objectives, T&EOs, Orders, and Doctrine Leaders and OC/T’s must review the commander’s intent, operation order, training objectives and T&EOs before training, and again immediately before the AAR. The commander’s intent and training objectives are the basis for observations and the focus of the AAR. Leaders and OCs review current doctrine, technical information, and applicable unit SOPs to ensure they have the tools to properly observe unit and individual performance.

Leaders and OC/T’s read and understand all OPORDs and fragmentary orders (FRAGO) the unit issues before and during training in order to understand what is supposed to happen. The detailed knowledge OC/T’s display as result of these reviews gives added credibility to their assessments.

Identify Key Events Based on the commander’s intent, leaders or OC/T’s identify which events are critical, and make sure they are positioned in the right place at the right time to observe the unit's actions. Examples of critical events include— Issue of OPORDs and FRAGOs TLPs Contact with opposing forces Resupply and reconstitution operations Review of Lane Book

Observe the Training and Take Notes I-AAR Facilitators are either internal (participating in the training) leaders or external (OC/T’s) to the organization. Both have the requirement to make and consolidate observations to facilitate the discussion of what happened. The OCs keep accurate records of what they see and hear, and record events, actions, and observations by time sequence to prevent loss of valuable information and feedback. OCs can use any recording system (notebook, mobile device, prepared forms, 3x5 cards, etc) as long as it is reliable, sufficiently detailed (identifying times, places, and names), and consistent. They include the date-time group (DTG) of each observation so it can be easily integrated with observations of other OC/T’s. This provides a comprehensive and detailed overview of what happened. When the OC/T has more time, they review the notes and fill in any details not written down earlier.

The TAC OC/T can annotate using the TAC Annotation Tool for the unit OC/T

During the Formal I-AAR the senior OC/T receives input from subordinates, supporting and adjacent units. Provide a comprehensive review of the unit they observed and their impact on the higher unit’s mission. The senior OC/T also receives input from OPFOR leaders, players and OC/T’s. The enemy's perspective is critical in identifying why a unit was or was not successful. During formal AARs, the OPFOR leader briefs his plan and intent to set the stage for a discussion of what happened and why.

Chronological Order of Events: This technique is logical, structured, and easy to understand. It follows the flow of training from start to finish. By covering actions in the order they took place, Soldiers and leaders are better able to recall what happened. Flextrain assist the OC/T by providing all annotated events on a timeline for easy reference. OC/T only needs to know the approximate time and the MAARC Operator will be able to bring up any event during that time frame

Tactical Analysis Center Chief Supervises and trains TAC Operators and Observers Controller Trainers (OC/T’s). Serves as the first line of technical support for OC/T’s that use the TAC system. Advises TAC Operators and OC/T’s how to maximize the capabilities of the TAC workstation capturing both live training and prepping for an instrumented after action review. Have a good understanding of the tracking system and be able to explain its behavior to the OC/T’s. Monitor and conduct quality control for the tracking of the soldiers that are being trained, and notify leadership of any issues or odd behavior seen on the 2-D/3-D views. Understand where and why there may be problems with tracking coverage, explain those shortcomings to the OC/T’s and adjust expectations. Notify the AAR-P Team Leader when OC/T’s have started or ended a training exercise.

Tactical Analysis Center Observer Controller/Trainer Checklist

The TAC OC/T checklist provides the OC/T with a checklist of the daily duties, required coordination and information need to conduct the daily operations.

Section 1 General Information: This information can be filled out by the TAC Chief or NCOIC prior to the arrival of the OC/T, or the OC/T can fill this section out using the information provided on the TAC Daily Tracking Board.

Section 2 Beach Coordination: The information required can be completed by coordination with the Lane OC/T on the beach.

Section 3 Unit/Embedded OC/T Coordination: The information required can be completed via TAC phones or OC Radio Net with the Unit Embedded OC/T following return from beach coordination.

Section 4 During Exercise Coordination and Verification: This section is used to validate tracking, engagement lines and Tactical communication.

Section 5 Pre-Instrument After Action Review Coordination: This section is a validation of the location, times for the I-AAR. Information will be provided and validated by the TAC Chief and the NCOIC.

Section 6: Instrumented After Action Review Preparation: Assist the OC/T in preparation of the I-AAR.

Key Events/Themes/Issues: Key events discussion focuses on critical training events, which directly support training objectives identified by the chain of command before the exercise began. This technique is particularly effective when time is limited.

Rehearse Formal AARs - After thorough preparation, the OC reviews the I-AAR format and gets ready to conduct the AAR. The OC then announces to unit leaders the I-AAR starting time and location. This allows enough time for the OCs to prepare and rehearse at the I-AAR site while unit leaders account for personnel and equipment, perform actions which their unit SOP requires, and move to the AAR site. For details on the preparation, rehersal and conduct of the I-AAR as a MAARC Operator should use the MAARC Operators checklist when preparing and conducting an I-AAR.

AAR Chief reviews data package prior to data being transferred to the MAARC site.

Data Validation Checklist

The Data Validation Checklist list provides the TAC Chief with the means to conduct quality assurance of the Data Package prior to delivery to the MAARC site. Data verification is a continuous process. The TAC Chief, and OC/T NCOIC must continuously monitor the TAC OC/T’s and TAC station to ensure issues with data collection or annotations are addressed immediately. The TAC OC/T checklist should aid in identifying or validating data or issues prior to final data validation.

All data packages will be validated in accordance with the Data Validation checklist.

Data Validation will be conducted in the MAARC Tent prior to package be taken to the assigned MAARC Tent for the I-AAR.

Validation will be conducted by the TAC Chief or his designated TAC Operator, and either the TAC NCOIC, Assigned NGB OC/T’s or the TAC OC/T.

Data extraction will be conducted in accordance with the procedures listed in the build a package section in OUM 8001 TAC Operators User’s Manual.

Data will be extracted and uploaded on the approved DIACAP fire wire mini G hard drive or CD only.

If issues arrive with data extraction errors the TAC Chief or Operator will notify the FAE immediately to correct the problem. The TAC Chief will notify the AAR-P TL of what the issue is and when it will be corrected. The AAR-P TL will notify the I and C Chief and the ESC if the data extraction/validation errors will delay the start of the currently scheduled AAR Time.

Section 1 General Information: This section will be filled out by the TAC Chief or his designated Operator using the TAC OC/T daily checklist.

Section 2 Instrumentation Validation Numbers: The information required for this section is provided on the OC/T daily checklist and will be validated during the data verification and validation in the TAC MAARC.

Section 3 Data Package Validation: This section has all the pertinent validation checks to assist the assigned validation team with data validation. Area’s that receive a NO GO will have a reason annotated in the remarks section.

Section 4 MAARC Operator Inventory Verification: This section is a joint venture between the TAC Chief or TAC Operator and the MAARC Operator when the package is being transported to the MAARC location by the MAARC Operator. If the package is to be delivered by the TAC OC/T it will be conducted between the TAC Chief or TAC Operator and the TAC OC/T who upon arrival will verify with the assigned MAARC Operator.

EXECUTE

MAARC and VTHP operators move to the MAARC site and set up equipment and runs PCIs HHV operators move to the MAARC site and drop off the SD cards to the MAARC operator TAC OC/T moves the data package to the MAARC site with laptop MAARC operator loads both data package and SD cards into the MAARC Unit OC/T reports to the MAARC site Unit OC/T, TAC OC, and MAARC operator prepare the AAR talking points Unit OC/T runs through rehearsals with MAARC operator Unit shows up at MAARC site and conducts AAR MAARC and VTHP operators bring the data, laptop, and VTHP drives back to the Editors and TAC center.

AAR CHIEF

Mobile After Action Review Center (MAARC) Capacity 40-45 audience members RS provided MAARC and V-THP operator per tent Features Complete play back of tracking data in 2-D and 3-D 2 projectors to play back any combination:

(4 feeds) 2-D, 3-D, Video, and PowerPoint Time synced Video and TAC Audio (SINCGARS) MAARC Location Total of 9 MAARC sites MAARC Tents located close to I-AAR Lanes Take home package (THP) Digital THP CD-ROM format: full playback of tracking data, MILES information and shot lines, and SINCGARS recordings Video THP DVD format; “back of the classroom” recording of AAR One of each provided per I-AAR at end of exercise

Conduct the I-AAR Introduction and Rules

Everyone must participate. If they have an insight, observation, or question which will help the unit identify and correct deficiencies or sustain strengths. The AAR is a dynamic, candid, professional discussion of training that focuses on unit performance measured against the Army standard.

The I-AAR is not a critique. No one, regardless of rank, position, or strength of personality, has all of the information or answers. AARs maximize training benefits by allowing Soldiers to learn from each other.

The I-AAR does not grade success or failure.

There are always weaknesses to improve and strengths to sustain Soldier participation is directly related to the atmosphere created during the introduction and command climate. The AAR leader makes a concerted effort to draw in Soldiers who seem reluctant to participate. The following techniques can help the leader or OC create an atmosphere conducive to maximum participation.

The leader or OC should- Reinforce the fact that it is permissible to disagree.

Focus on learning and encourage people to give honest opinions.

Use open-ended and leading questions to guide the discussion of soldier, leader, and unit performance.

Enter the discussion only when necessary.

Conduct the I-AAR

I-AAR AGENDA:

Commander’s Mission, Intent and Concept of the Operation (What Was Supposed To Happen) The leader or OC reviews the commander’s training objectives and restates the tasks being reviewed, including the conditions and standards for the tasks as defined in the T&EO from the Lane Book.

Using 2D, 3D, Graphics and Video provided by Flextrain, the OC/T can restate the mission intent, and concept of the operation while showing a playback of the actual event

Identify what was right or wrong The unit must discuss both success and failure in the context of the commander’s intent, objectives and performance measures. To sustain success, the unit needs to know what it is doing well. Also, concentrate on identifying what was wrong versus who was wrong.

Determine how the task should be done differently The facilitator helps the unit in determining how the task(s) might be performed more effectively in the future. The unit identifies the conditions to modify to increase complexity, and challenges leaders and subordinates to identify opportunities to take prudent risk within the commander’s intent. Additionally, the facilitator guides the discussion to determine if there is a more effective way to train the tasks to achieve the commanders’ intent.

Closing Comments (Summary) During the summary, the leader or OC reviews and summarizes key points identified during the discussion. The leader or OC ends the I- AAR on a constructive note and links conclusions to future training. The leader or OC then leaves the immediate area to allow unit or subordinate leaders and Soldiers time to discuss the training in private.

Benefits of I-AARs AARs are the dynamic link between task performance and execution to standard. They provide commanders a critical assessment tool to plan Soldier, leader and unit training. The true benefits of I-AARs come from applying results in developing future training. Leaders can use the information to assess performance and to plan future training to correct deficiencies and sustain demonstrated task proficiency image8.jpeg image9.jpeg image10.jpeg image1.png image2.png image3.png image4.jpeg image5.png image6.png image7.png image11.emf image12.png