# Write an after-action report and improvement plan

An after-action report that rates performance against each objective, finds root causes, and produces a tracked improvement plan.

- Topic: Projects & Operations
- Framework: Few-Shot
- Level: Standard
- Tags: Write, Plan, Fill-in Template
- Source: https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/prompts/write-an-after-action-report-and-improvement-plan

## Prompt

```text
Help me write an after-action report (AAR) and improvement plan.

**Event:** [real incident or exercise; type, e.g. "tabletop", "functional exercise", "winter storm response"]
**Dates and participating agencies:** [DETAILS]
**Objectives or core capabilities tested:** [e.g. "operational communications", "mass care", "public information and warning"]
**Timeline of key events:** [PASTE]
**Hot wash notes, evaluator feedback, participant surveys:** [PASTE]
**What went well and what didn't, in my words:** [NOTES]

Structure the report following the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) style:
1. **Executive summary**: scope, major strengths, and primary areas for improvement.
2. **Event overview**: dates, participants, scenario or incident summary.
3. **Analysis by objective or capability**: rate each objective (performed without challenges / with some challenges / with major challenges / unable to be performed), then list strengths and areas for improvement. For each area, give the observation, the analysis of root cause (plans, organization, equipment, training, or exercise design), and a recommendation.
4. **Improvement plan table**: Capability | Issue | Corrective action | Category (plan, organization, equipment, training, exercise) | Responsible organization | Point of contact (title) | Start date | Completion date.
5. **Items to test in the next exercise.**

Rules:
- Focus on systems and processes, not blaming individuals.
- Every finding must trace to an observation in my notes; never invent events, times, or quotes. Mark gaps [CONFIRM].
- Flag any sensitive security details that should be removed before public release.
```

## What to fill in

- DETAILS
- PASTE
- NOTES
- CONFIRM

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