Center For Army Lessons Learned

The Center for Army Lessons Learned (CALL) is a vital component of the U.S. Army's institutional knowledge and continuous learning process. Established in 1986, CALL's primary mission is to capture, analyze, and disseminate valuable lessons learned from the Army's operational experiences, both domestically and abroad. By doing so, CALL ensures that the Army can rapidly adapt and improve its tactics, techniques, and procedures, ultimately enhancing its effectiveness and operational readiness.

Evolution and Impact

CALL’s evolution over the years reflects the dynamic nature of military operations and the Army’s commitment to learning from its experiences. Initially focused on analyzing lessons from Vietnam and Cold War-era conflicts, CALL’s scope expanded significantly post-⁹⁄₁₁ to include operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. This expansion allowed CALL to capture and disseminate a wealth of knowledge from these complex and challenging environments.

One of CALL's most significant impacts has been its contribution to the development and refinement of the Army's doctrine. By providing real-world insights and best practices, CALL has influenced the creation and revision of field manuals and doctrine, ensuring that the Army's guidance is relevant, practical, and adaptable to a wide range of operational scenarios.

Key Initiatives and Programs

CALL’s initiatives and programs are designed to facilitate the capture and sharing of lessons learned across the Army and its partner organizations. Some of these initiatives include:

• After Action Reviews (AARs): CALL conducts AARs to systematically review and analyze military operations, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. These reviews are a critical tool for capturing lessons learned and ensuring that the Army can learn from both successes and failures.
• The CALL Journal: This quarterly publication serves as a platform for sharing best practices, innovative ideas, and lessons learned from a wide range of Army operations. It provides a valuable resource for soldiers, leaders, and strategists to stay informed about the latest developments and insights.
• Leader Development: CALL plays a crucial role in leader development by offering a range of courses and workshops that focus on decision-making, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. These programs help prepare Army leaders for the challenges they may face in complex and uncertain environments.

CALL’s Role in Technology and Innovation

CALL has embraced technology as a means to enhance its capabilities and reach. The organization has developed a range of digital tools and platforms to facilitate the capture and sharing of lessons learned. These include:

• CALLnet: A secure, web-based platform that allows users to access and contribute to a vast repository of lessons learned, best practices, and after-action reviews. CALLnet serves as a central hub for knowledge sharing and collaboration, enabling soldiers and leaders to quickly access relevant information.
• CALL's Mobile App: This app provides on-the-go access to CALL's resources, allowing soldiers in the field to access critical information and contribute to the knowledge base in real time. The app is designed to be user-friendly and adaptable to various military environments.
• Data Analytics: CALL utilizes advanced data analytics techniques to identify trends, patterns, and key insights from the vast amount of data it collects. This allows for more efficient and effective decision-making and ensures that the Army can quickly adapt to changing operational requirements.

Future Prospects and Challenges

As the nature of warfare continues to evolve, CALL faces the challenge of keeping pace with emerging technologies and evolving threats. To address this, CALL is focused on:

• Expanding its data analytics capabilities to better anticipate and respond to future operational needs.
• Developing partnerships with academic institutions and private sector organizations to access cutting-edge research and technologies.
• Enhancing its leader development programs to ensure that Army leaders are equipped with the skills and knowledge to lead in an era of rapid technological and strategic change.

Despite these challenges, CALL's commitment to continuous learning and adaptation positions it well to support the Army's mission in an increasingly complex and uncertain world. By leveraging technology, fostering collaboration, and staying attuned to emerging trends, CALL will continue to play a vital role in enhancing the Army's operational effectiveness and readiness.