What should be done with all deployment documentation after an operation?

Properly archiving all deployment documentation after an operation ensures that important information is retained for future reference and accountability. This practice aids in maintaining a record of what occurred during the deployment, which can be valuable for assessing performance, reviewing the effectiveness of tactics and strategies, and improving future operations. Archiving also supports compliance with regulations and provides a basis for planning future deployments, training, and operational improvements.

In the context of military or organizational operations, retaining documentation can help provide insights during audits and evaluations, if required, and establishes a historical record that may be useful for both current and future personnel. This documentation can serve as a valuable resource for lessons learned and best practices in the field.

While destroying sensitive information may seem like a protective measure, it is crucial to have documentation available to ensure accountability and continued learning from past operations. Submitting documentation for higher authority review can be part of the process but should not be the final destination of all documents, as there is still a need for archiving. Filing documentation solely in a secure digital format may not encompass the broader requirement for systematic archiving, which often includes various formats and mediums.