DAOD 8010-0, Lessons Learned

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Definition
3. Policy Direction
4. Consequences
5. Authorities
6. References

1. Introduction

Date of Issue: 2004-04-30

Date of Last Modification: 2016-07-22

Date of Last Review: 2026-03-13

Application: This DAOD is a directive that applies to employees of the Department of National Defence (DND employees) and an order that applies to officers and non-commissioned members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF members).

Supersession: DAOD 8010-1, Operational Lessons Learned Process

Approval Authorities:

• Deputy Minister of National Defence
• Chief of the Defence Staff

Enquiries: Director Joint Readiness (DJR), Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC)

2. Definition

lessons learned (leçons retenues)

The adding of value to an existing body of knowledge, or seeking to correct deficiencies, in areas of concepts, policy, doctrine, training, equipment or organizations, by providing feedback and follow-on action. (Defence Terminology Bank record number 27843)

3. Policy Direction

Context

3.1 All major staff activities can benefit from, and contribute to, a lessons learned (LL) process. The implementation of a vigorous DND and CAF LL program ensures accountability of DND managers and CAF commanders (comds) at all levels through the use of a feedback loop, thereby minimizing the repetition of errors. As the operational component of the LL program, the LL process results in tangible changes in attitudes, capabilities and behaviours. A failure to follow the LL process or the impairment of associated LL activities:

1. prevents the rapid introduction of knowledge gained from experience;
2. compromises opportunities to improve overall safety, efficiency and effectiveness; and
3. undermines the institutional goal of learning from operations by correcting mistakes and reinforcing
   what was done correctly.

Note – The LL program is set out in the document B-GL-025-0A2/FP-001, Canadian Forces Joint Publication – CFJP A2 Lessons Learned.

Policy Statement

3.2 The DND and the CAF are committed to providing an active LL program that results in tangible changes in attitudes, capabilities and behaviors.

Requirements

3.3 The DND and the CAF require that:

1. DND managers and CAF comds at all levels support the LL program;
2. DND managers and CAF comds at all levels determine how the LL program can best be implemented in their staff organizations;
3. the LL process be followed to produce timely, relevant and
   useful LL information;
4. all major staff activities contribute to the LL process;
5. the steps in the LL process, set out B-GL-025-0A2/FP-001, be followed; and
6. DND Managers and CAF comds at all levels use the Defence Lessons Learned System to capture LL observations, lessons identified and support material.

4. Consequences

General

4.1 Should clarification of the policy statement, requirements or authorities set out in this DAOD be required, DND employees and CAF members may seek direction through their channel of communication or chain of command, as appropriate. The anticipated results set out in the policy statement may not be achieved by the DND and the CAF if the requirements specified in this DAOD are not properly implemented. Not achieving the anticipated results could affect the ability of the DND and the CAF to ensure that the CAF is prepared to undertake missions for the protection of Canada and Canadians and the maintenance of international peace and stability.

5. Authorities

Authority Table

5.1 The following table identifies the authorities associated with this DAOD:

6. References

Acts, Regulations, Central Agency Policies and Policy DAOD

• DAOD 1000-6, Policy Framework for Information and Information Technology Management

Other References

• CDS Directive on Canadian Armed Forces Command and Control and the Delegation of Authority for Force Employment, April 28, 2013 (available in paper copy only)
• B-GJ-005-300/FP-001, Canadian Forces Joint Publication – CFJP 3.0 Operations
• B-GJ-005-500/FP-000, Canadian Forces Joint Publication 5.0 (CFJP 5.0) – The Canadian Forces Operational Planning Process (OPP)
• B-GL-025-0A2/FP-001, Canadian Forces Joint Publication – CFJP A2 Lessons Learned (under review)
• Introducing the Defence Lessons Learned System (DLLS)

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