A systematic review of technology in the after-action review (or debrief)

Abstract

The after-action review (AAR), also termed debrief, is a training approach that commonly encompasses some form of technology, but technology is largely a tangential consideration, which serves as the impetus for this review. Based on a systematic review of 91 empirical studies (113 AARs), a variety of nuances are identified about (1) where in the AAR technology is used, and the (2) users, (3) type, and (4) use of that technology. Technology is indeed common to AARs, but typically relegated to either aid in the task performance episode (92%) or in the provision of task feedback (52%). More broadly, the findings from the present review reflect the inherent complexity of determining how best to use technology in AARs with little extant guidance. These findings are followed by a set of six recommendations that will ideally spur greater use of technology in AARs to address longstanding issues that attenuate its effectiveness.