Royal Canadian Air Force Lessons Learned Programme

The Royal Canadian Air Force Lessons Learned Programme (RCAF LLP) is the RCAF commander’s programme—in response to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) direction (Defence Administrative Orders and Directives [DAOD] 8010-1)— to establish processes that add value to our existing body of knowledge, or attempt to correct deficiencies in areas of concepts, policy, doctrine, training, equipment or organizations.

Implementation of the LLP is under the guidance of the Canadian Forces Aerospace Warfare Centre (CFAWC), on behalf of the Commander (Comd) RCAF. Deputy Commander (DComd) RCAF and the division commanders are responsible for executing the programme.

1. Lessons-Learned Command Authority (LLCA). Comd RCAF is the LLCA and is responsible to the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff for implementing and overseeing the RCAF LLP.
2. Lessons-Learned Programme Authority (LLPA). Comd RCAF has appointed the DComd as the LLPA, responsible for all Air Lessons Learned (LL) matters, including maintenance and periodic review of the programme.
3. Lessons-Learned Operational Authorities (LLOAs). As LLOAs, the DComd RCAF as well as the Commanders 1 and 2 Canadian Air Division (Comds 1 and 2 Cdn Air Div) are accountable to the LLCA through the LLPA to effectively operationalize and implement the programme within their command / areas of responsibility. The LLOAs must designate an LL point of contact to coordinate the LL activities and functions for their organizations as well as to address issues that have been forwarded along the chain of command.
4. Lessons-Learned Technical Authority (LLTA). As the LLTA, the Commanding Officer (CO) CFAWC reports to the LLPA for lessons-learned matters. The LLPA has delegated to the LLTA the responsibility for executing all aspects of the RCAF LLP.
5. Wing Lessons-Learned Officers (WLLOs). The heart of the RCAF LLP resides at the wing and formation levels. The WLLO provides LL advice to the wing commander related to missions / mission-support activities.
6. Unit Lessons-Learned Officers (ULLOs). RCAF units can contribute greatly to the RCAF LLP by documenting and communicating what is learned during their daily activities. ULLOs coordinate the collection of data and liaise directly with their respective WLLO.