Revising Report: JPMRC's Data Analysis Tool and the Emerging Era of Data-Informed Deadliness
Automating After-Action Reviews for Enhanced Army Training
In the modern digital landscape, the after-action review (AAR) process in the Army has evolved to incorporate real-time data integration, automated data processing, visualization tools, and the linkage of quantitative data with qualitative observations. This transformation is exemplified by the Joint Pacific Multi-Role Corps School’s (JPMRC) Data Assessment Tool.
The Data Assessment Tool, developed by Lieutenant Colonel Daniel K. Bourke, automates the collection and processing of data from observer controller/trainers (OC/Ts) in the field. It integrates this data with real-time statistics, such as battle damage assessment, sustainment shortfalls, and medical evacuation times, and visualizes these metrics via platforms like Microsoft Teams and Power BI for immediate review.
This system replaces traditional data stagnation with rapid, data-informed AARs, enhancing leader development and training effectiveness across units from squad to brigade levels. Key components of this system include real-time data collection, automated processing and analysis, visualization and communication tools, the synthesis of quantitative data with qualitative feedback, and integration within existing command and training structures.
Internet connectivity remains a challenge for JPMRC due to the exportable nature of the Combined Training Centers (CTCs) and the terrain they operate in. In such cases, OC/Ts send their reports via radio to the radio operator in the training analysis feedback facility. JPMRC is experimenting with satellite-based communication devices to create bubbles of connectivity and enable reporting.
The Data Assessment Tool continues to evolve and improve based on lessons learned from usage in Hawaii and Alaska CTC rotations. It is being adopted for use by all CTCs, increasing the possibilities for commanders to quickly assess performance and adjust rapidly based on lessons learned. JPMRC is also incorporating Microsoft Power Apps and Dataverse, taking steps to integrate with Vantage, the Army’s data platform, and approved AI applications.
The Army's adoption of such tools for process improvement and digitization, such as Microsoft Forms, Power Automate, and Power BI, is a significant step towards data-driven lethality and readiness improvements. This approach aligns with evolving CTC practice to ensure that data-supported reviews guide personnel management and development.
In summary, the integration of automated, real-time data capture and visualization with expert human analysis is essential for meaningful AARs in the digital age, directly improving Army training outcomes by accelerating feedback loops and decision-making.
[1] Joint Pacific Multi-Role Corps School, “Data Assessment Tool,” [accessed 2022-04-25].
[2] U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, “After-Action Review (AAR),” [accessed 2022-04-25].
[3] U.S. Army Combined Arms Center, “Training Management and Analysis,” [accessed 2022-04-25].
[4] U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, “Digital Training and Simulation,” [accessed 2022-04-25].
[5] U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, “Digital Training Environment,” [accessed 2022-04-25].
In the evolving digital terrain of warfare, the Army's Data Assessment Tool, a military innovation, automates data collection and processing from the field, integrating it with real-time statistics for enhanced analysis and visualization, utilizing technology and data-and-cloud-computing platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Power BI. This automation contributes significantly to the Army's defense strategies, facilitating rapid, data-informed after-action reviews and improving leader development and training effectiveness.
As the Army continues to leverage technology and data-driven approaches for process improvement and digitization, it marks a substantial step towards data-driven lethality and readiness improvements, aligning with the evolving practices in the digital training environment and ensuring that data-supported reviews guide personnel management and development.
