What does the term 'Hot Wash' refer to in the context of exercises?

The term 'Hot Wash' refers to a facilitated discussion among exercise players that takes place immediately after the exercise has concluded. This debriefing session is crucial because it allows participants to share their observations, experiences, and any challenges they faced during the exercise while the events are still fresh in their minds. This real-time feedback is instrumental in identifying strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring that the lessons learned can be captured and integrated into future planning and training efforts.

A formal report generated after an exercise would typically occur after the hot wash, summarizing key findings, recommendations, and potential improvements based on the discussions held during the hot wash session. While future planning meetings may follow the hot wash, they are not the focal point of the hot wash itself. Similarly, a type of exercise intended for field deployment is a separate concept and does not apply to the hot wash discussion format. Thus, the definition of 'Hot Wash' as a facilitated discussion aligns precisely with its purpose in the context of training and exercises.