Lessons learned small unit postdeployment survey results and analysis

The Army Medical Department Lessons Learned Division conducted a survey of small unit service members from July through September 2011 to obtain feedback on the challenges they faced during recent deployment operations. Personnel assigned to selected company-sized units, teams, and detachments that redeployed within the past 12 months were asked to complete an online survey of questions regarding their predeployment and operational experiences. The results revealed a number of variables such as respondents' service component, assigned unit, and geographic location that influenced views on the issues. The implications of the findings are discussed, along with recommendations for future work designed to collect small unit observations, insights, and lessons.