What must UDMs document regarding each deployment exercise?

Documenting exercise outcomes, lessons learned, and areas for improvement is essential for Unit Deployment Managers (UDMs) because it provides a framework for assessing the effectiveness of the deployment exercise. This documentation serves several purposes: it enhances future training and preparation by identifying what worked well and what did not, allows for the refinement of strategies for upcoming deployments, and contributes to the overall readiness of the unit. Additionally, capturing these insights ensures that valuable experiences are not lost and can be communicated to other units or conflict scenarios where similar deployments might occur.

Other aspects, such as budget forecasts and estimates, family feedback, or logistical details, are important for their own reasons but do not capture the comprehensive review of the deployment exercise that is critical for continuous improvement. Focusing on the outcomes and lessons learned is what ultimately strengthens the unit's capabilities for future operations.