What are the three major components that should be included in after action reports?

The correct answer is grounded in the objective of after action reports, which are essential for assessing the effectiveness of a deployment and identifying areas for improvement.

A comprehensive after action report typically includes a Deployment Description to outline the context and specifics of the operation, reflecting on what was done and how the mission was executed. This sets the stage for a thorough evaluation of the team's performance during the deployment.

Furthermore, having Deployment Reports as a component allows for a structured analysis of the activities carried out, encompassing metrics and outputs that provide insight into how the team functioned and what results were achieved. This is critical for understanding actual performance against goals.

Finally, including Opportunities for Improvement highlights the learning aspect of after action reports. This component focuses on identifying specific areas where the team can enhance future performance, such as process adjustments or needed training. It fosters a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring that lessons learned from past experiences are integrated into future missions.

Together, these components ensure a holistic review of the deployment, allowing teams to gain valuable insights that can significantly improve their effectiveness in subsequent operations.