We've done military lessons learned reports from Afghanistan (A Soldier's Email Changes Their Equipment) and Iraq (V Corps Lessons Learned) before. Their level of detail provides a fascinating window into the situations American troops face, not to mention the evolution of the military and its thinking.
Now Winds of War host Andrew Olmsted adds to that list by posting an excellent post-war Iraq lessons learned report from the 3ACR(3rd Armored Cavalry) regiment.
Seeing those 3 afteraction reports reminded me of the fact that the really useful information will always come from the people actually doing the job - candor is key and making sure that the people in the rear who receive and react to these reports do so in a timely and professional manner is critical.
*Unclassified After Action Report From Iraq*
SUBJECT: Operation Iraqi Freedom After Action Review Comments
1. The purpose of this document is to provide after action review comments after combat operations conducted by TM C/3-15 Infantry, Task Force 1-64 Armor "Desert Rogues" during "Operation Iraqi Freedom.
2. All comments will be broken down into the following format: issue, discussion, and recommendation.
3. Doctrine/TTP's (Tactics, Techniques and Procedures).
semi-related: it looks like the 1st cavalry is going in to iraq in jan/feb. or so they're being told as of this week.
just so you know. they're also going back to 113s because apparently they do better in urban environments.
M113s? Wise choice, especially with reactive armour plating added.