How does the Army measure the effectiveness of its operations?

The Army measures the effectiveness of its operations primarily through After Action Reviews (AARs) and assessments. AARs are structured reviews of an event that allow units to analyze what happened, why it happened, and how it can be improved for the future. This process emphasizes learning and adaptation, helping to refine tactics, techniques, and procedures based on actual performance in both training exercises and real-world missions.

Assessments involve evaluating the outcomes of military operations to determine whether objectives were met and to identify areas for improvement. This systematic approach enables the Army to gather critical feedback that directly informs future planning and operational strategies.

While awards, media coverage, and social events may have their own significance within the Army culture, they do not provide a comprehensive or objective measure of operational effectiveness. Awards might reflect individual or unit achievements but do not evaluate overall operational success. Media coverage, similarly, can vary widely in accuracy and focus, while social events are primarily about morale and cohesion rather than assessing military effectiveness.