Simulation Task #6

Although we do not have a complete incident with the consequences for the objectives you decided to implement, the tactics you used, and the resources you ordered, we still need to engage the AAR process.   We do not know how your planned actions would have translated into actual actions and where gaps may have been exposed in logistics, communications, situational awareness and operations. Optimally, the AAR process is the key component to the improvement of performance in planning, preparedness, and response.

1. 1-2 page description of the benefits and AAR process from the syllabus readings. Cite appropriate sources.
2. Since we don’t have the incident results to critique.  Provide a brief critique of your experience as a student in this simulation (Positive or negative review will not impact your grade). Describe what you have learned and what you think your strengths and weaknesses would be in managing an incident of this type.  

GRADING AND SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS FOR THIS TASK:

Upload a word or PDF file that contains both the description of the AAR process citing course resources, your critique and assessment of your strengths and weaknesses.

Resources:  

 Week #8 Syllabus Readings

Evaluating Response

Read or Review

• Module 4: Leading Across the Incident: Preparedness, Response, and Recovery (Evaluation): the following areas of the commentary:
  • Part I: Leadership Across the Phases:
    • Leading for Recovery: Evaluation and the After-Action Review
  • Part II: Responding to a Critical Incident: Engaging the Response Simulation
  • Part III: Summary
• U.S. Fire Administration/Technical Report Series Special Report: The After-Action Critique: Training Through Lessons Learned http://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/tr_159.pdf
• Donahue, A. & Tuohy, R. (2006, July). Lessons we don’t learn: A study of the lessons of disasters, why we repeat them, and how we can learn from them. http://www.hsaj.org/?fullarticle=2.2.4
• Jackson, B.A., Faith K.S., & Willis, H.H. (2010). Evaluating the Reliability of Emergency Response Systems for Large-Scale Incident Operations, Santa Monica, CA: RAND http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/2010/RAND_MG994.pdf Chapter 6: After Action Reports p. 95-116.
• Garvin, D. (2000). The U.S. Army’s After Action Reviews: Seizing the Chance to Learn. http://www.wildfirelessons.net/documents/Garvin_AAR_Excerpt.pdf
• Department of Homeland Security. Homeland Security Exercise Evaluation Program, http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/32326
• Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP): Volume III: Exercise Evaluation and Improvement Planning:  http://montanadma.org/sites/default/files/HSEEP%20Volume%203.pdf