Leveraging Lesson Learning in Tactical Units

This study examines how leaders of tactical units can use the Army's Lesson-Learned System(ALLS) to their best advantage. The ALLS was established to identify, collect, analyze, and thendisseminate lessons from contingency operations and training exercises throughout the force.This system is central to learning in units and the Army. While the guidance for these proceduresis very clear for the overarching Army program, very little information is provided to leaders oftactical units on how they can best support the program and leverage lesson learning in theirorganizations.Analysis revealed that lesson learning as it is defined in AR 11-33, The Army Lesson LearnedSystem occurs on an ad hoc basis in tactical units. There are several reasons for this shortfall.Nevertheless, the Army's lesson-learned program, as it pertains to tactical units, needs to bereevaluated. It is recommended that specific guidance on how to establish learning programs beprovided to leaders of tactical units in both AR 11-33 and in training doctrine. In the absence ofdoctrine, leaders must take proactive steps to establish learning programs in their units.