Which term is best described as a post-incident evaluation focusing on lessons learned for future operations, not therapy?

• A. Debriefing
• B. CISD
• C. After Action Review
• D. CISM

Answer: (C)

After Action Review is a structured post-incident evaluation that focuses on what happened, why it happened, and what can be changed to improve future operations. It’s forward-looking and action-oriented, aiming to capture concrete lessons learned and assign steps to implement improvements, rather than addressing emotional responses or providing therapy.

The other terms are more about psychological support after trauma. Debriefing can involve sharing information, but isn’t necessarily the formal, ongoing process of extracting operational lessons for the next response. Critical Incident Stress Debriefing and Critical Incident Stress Management are designed to address mental health and stress reactions, not to document and implement performance improvements for future operations.