By: Savoury Jacobson.
FORT KNOX, KY. –On July 30, 2017, Advanced Camp, 8 Regiment Cadets’ time is officially coming to a close at Fort Knox, after successfully going through Cadet Summer Training (CST).
An after action review (AAR) is conducted where Cadets review their time and express their thoughts on how things can be done differently. If they speak up, Cadets are required to present a possible solution for the issue they have raised.
Cadet Elijah Teixeira expressed that, “We criticize the bad things and harp on the good things that we can do. It just helps build that overall individual…”
Advanced Camp, 8 Regiment, Cadets listen during their after action review (AAR) at Fort Knox on July 30, 2017. (Photo by Savoury Jacobson.)
As they gather in a half circle, Cadets bring to a close the bonding process that begins the moment they arrived. The AAR allows them to tackle less than ideal situations that have happened and prevents them from happening again. Anything from tent arrangements to water supply to team cohesion is covered. No subject is off limits and all are encouraged to share what they have observed. There are several different types of AAR’s that are held including more technical discussions (uniform care and maintenence) to the more tactical side of things such as leadership roles and the complexities of running missions.
Peter Senge, author of “The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization”, says that, “The Army’s After Action Review (AAR) is arguably one of the most successful organizational learning methods yet devised.”
Cadet Summer Training will bring around 8,200 Cadets through Basic and Advanced Camp this summer on Fort Knox. These camps are designed to help challenge, grow and improve various skills and leadership qualities within the Cadets. If you think you have what it takes to be a Cadet or if you are interested in a job after college click the following link: https://my.goarmy.com/info/rotc1/index.jsp?iom=IP08-AUTO-R1NA-BR-XXX-XX-XXX-MO-XX-X-BRCMAC:IP08
