Question 4

U. S. Army troops practice for battle by taking part in realistic simulations involving as many as 8,000 troops at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California. During month-long rotations, troops are faced with different battlefield scenarios. At the end of every session, soldiers take part in After Action Reviews---team debriefing sessions that provide time for reflection, feedback, and lessons learned. As noted by General Gordon Sullivan, After Action Reviews have been "the key to turning the corner and institutionalizing organizational learning."

One question that often comes up in regard to the After Action Reviews is when and where to have them. The soldiers may spend hour upon hour engaged in exhausting battle exercises and it's not always clear that they have the energy to debrief the simulation. Put yourself in the role of learning designer for a moment. When and where should these After Action Reviews be conducted?

A. Immediately at the end of the simulation exercises, in the field of battle.
B. Immediately at the end of the simulation exercises, in the training center's classrooms and break-out rooms.
C. After the soldiers have a chance to shower and rest, in the training center's classrooms and break-out rooms.