When should a formal After Action Review (AAR) be conducted?

A formal After Action Review (AAR) should be conducted at the conclusion of the entire training event because this timing allows for a comprehensive evaluation of what occurred throughout the entire training experience. Conducting the AAR at this point ensures that all participants can reflect on the overall objectives, processes, and outcomes of the training, providing a holistic understanding of both successes and areas for improvement.

At the end of the training event, participants are ideally prepared to discuss their experiences while they are still fresh in mind, allowing for more accurate assessments and reflections. This timing also promotes a culture of continuous learning and improvement as lessons learned can be applied to future training initiatives. AARs conducted in this manner help in consolidating feedback, identifying best practices, and understanding the impact of various aspects of the training on the participants' performance.

The other options suggest conducting AARs at less effective times; for example, performing an AAR at the beginning of a training event would not allow for reflection on the outcomes and processes, rendering it ineffective. Similarly, limiting AARs to daily reviews or only addressing issues as they arise restricts the opportunity for broader analysis and learning from the complete training experience.