In the AAR Format, which point comes first?

• A. Review what happened for a particular event
• B. Determine how event or task should be done next time
• C. Review what went right and wrong
• D. Review what was supposed to happen

Answer: (D)

Starting with what was supposed to happen sets the baseline for the AAR. It establishes the plan or intended outcome, giving you a reference point to judge how events actually unfolded. Without that reference, you can’t clearly see gaps between expectation and reality or understand why things went as they did. Once that baseline is clear, you compare it to what actually happened, discuss what went right and wrong, and then determine how to do things differently next time. So beginning with the intended outcome makes the whole review objective and actionable.