After‑Action Review & Improvement Plan
This SOP explains how HSCVS conducts after‑action reviews and turns lessons from disasters and exercises into a written After‑Action Report / Improvement Plan (AAR/IP) with concrete, trackable corrective actions.
1. Purpose, scope & principles
Learning on purpose, not by accidentThis SOP standardizes how HSCVS evaluates real incidents and exercises and produces an After‑Action Report / Improvement Plan that captures strengths, areas for improvement, and specific corrective actions.
It applies to HSCVS‑led operations and major joint operations with partners, including disasters, planned events, and exercises where HSCVS plays a significant operational or coordination role.
Principle. An AAR/IP is not about blame; it is about understanding what happened, why it happened, and how to adjust systems, training, and resources so that HSCVS and partners are stronger before the next event.
Appendix A – AAR/IP forms
Simple tools to capture lessons & actionsAAR-HW-01 — Hotwash Notes
Use immediately after an incident operational period or exercise to capture quick feedback.
AAR-OBS-01 — Observation Summary
Use to document individual strengths or areas for improvement for inclusion in the AAR/IP.
AAR-IP-01 — Improvement Plan Tracker
Use this table to track corrective actions from the AAR/IP.
AAR-RPT-01 — After-Action Report Summary
Use to capture the main elements of the After-Action Report in one place.