The Debrief Project is based on the military's After-Action Review (AAR) process. The AAR is a tried-and-true method of learning through reflection. Anyone with military experience is likely familiar with AARs and has spent many hours in them. During an AAR, participants revisit the mission and the commander's intent and then systematically review the various phases of the mission, highlighting three areas that impacted the mission positively and negatively, known as Three Ups and Three Downs.
The AAR or debrief allows all participants to discuss the planned versus actual outcomes. It provides deliberate time to understand why certain things happened and to develop an action plan to prevent repeating mistakes while sustaining successful aspects. This reflection also brings clarity and understanding, as soldiers can get caught up in the moment and struggle to see things from a broader perspective.
The military does an excellent job teaching debriefing during training, with "observer/controllers" (OCs) guiding the process from an unbiased perspective. However, in combat, it's rare to have someone in this role, and the focus is often on immediate tasks, making holistic reflection difficult.
After retiring from the U.S. Army in 2010, I worked as a contractor in Kuwait and Afghanistan. It was during this time that I felt compelled to write a book about my deployment during the Troop Surge. While challenging, writing the book provided a different perspective, and talking to soldiers about past events was surprisingly illuminating. Capturing our experiences in writing in sense not only validated our sacrifices and those of our families but offered unforeseen relief and helped jumpstart the healing process.
The Debrief Project serves as a platform for warriors to share their stories and begin the healing process by telling their story and by doing so will:
- Challenge assumptions, generalizations, and stereotypes
- Create bridges with other service members with like experiences
- Build community based on shared experiences
- Expand perspectives for all
- Help servicemembers to better understand their own experience, help them find the strength to share their voice, and gain confidence in the power of that voice.
- Allow servicemembers to be an instrument for change in their lives and the lives of others
References:
Indigenous Poetics and Narrative Medicine - S Y N A P S I S (medicalhealthhumanities.com)
Narrative Therapy for Trauma: How Telling Your Story Can Help (healthline.com)
The Healing Power of Telling Your Trauma Story | Psychology Today