What is a deployment debriefing

Debriefing is a process to feedback mission specific reflections using the Operational Chain of Command (OPCOC) FM/BG-316. Debriefings are conducted at all levels of the OPCOC verbally and there are certain unit policies which outline what you can and can’t do when attending or conducting debriefings.

Debriefings start from the bottom up, which means we start with Fireteams and the smaller combat elements. Fireteam leaders conduct team debriefs with their teams where the whole team is present, then a debriefing with their Squad Leader and the other team leaders. Similarly, the Squad Leader conducts that debriefing as his first and the debriefing with the Platoon Leader and other Squad Leaders as his second. As a rifleman (and any non-leadership role), you only attend one debriefing - the team debriefing, whereas Leaders always attend two.