text: Periodization
  5-16. Effective H2F performance teams and Soldiers prepare to adapt readiness training in the light of new
  training data and new mission sets. Situation-specific, individualized training accounts for the Soldier’s own
  strengths and vulnerabilities. Like an athlete with specific position skills, the individual Soldier may respond
  to stress by recruiting a range of biological, sociological, and psychological (known as BSP) skills. These
  significantly influence physical training adaptations. If physical and nonphysical stress exceeds these skills,
  the Soldier and leaders should anticipate degradation in performance and medical readiness. Responding will
  require the insight of the H2F performance team and the modification of the periodized plan.
  BASE
  5-17. This is the period when the basic abilities of endurance, strength, speed, and movement skill are
  emphasized. This period is the longest of all the periods lasting up to twelve weeks. As most training in this
  period is relatively low intensity, it may be predominate in Soldier populations that do not have any pending
  primary missions, deployments, or high-intensity schooling.
  BUILD
  5-18. This is the four to eight week period when the abilities from the base period are built upon with higher
  intensity and increased volume of training. Training effort begins to mimic the primary goal or mission and
  the period ends with a simulation of the mission or a test. Leaders might implement a FTX or a practice
  ACFT.
  PEAK 1
  5-19. This is the two- to three-week period immediately before a primary mission when leaders deliberately
  reduce training volume while maintaining or increasing the intensity. This period is designed to create a peak
  level of physiological and psychological readiness while reducing the potential for injuries and stagnation.
  Maximum effort testing or mission simulation is appropriate during this period. Recovery from the most
  intense sessions of the training will take longer; therefore, the volume of training may be reduced by 50
  percent when compared to the later weeks of the build period.
  COMBAT AND PEAK 2
  5-20. This is the two-week to multi-month period of the primary mission or highest intensity training when
  the goal is to reach peak levels of readiness and sustain these levels for the duration of the mission or training
  event. Arriving fresh and ready to perform requires focused attention on recovery during this period. Training
  mistakes that lead to illness and injury during this period become more critical since time before the primary
  mission is reduced and will therefore lead to a degradation in readiness.
  RECOVERY
  5-21. This is the period of four to eight weeks when the Soldier is in recovery from the primary mission. It
  is characterized by low workloads and general adaptation and recovery. This period precedes a return to the
  base period and is where recovery occurs that allows the absorption of higher volumes and intensity of
  training later in the macrocycle. In the Soldier lifespan, this would equate to the FSP period as the civilian
  begins the physical and mental transition to becoming a Soldier. It would also be the period of recovery after
  a deployment, injury, or illness or following a demanding functional course, such as Ranger School.
  5-22. Low volume and easy-to-moderate intensity endurance exercise is designed to improve aerobic
  endurance. Movement skill training is developed through shorter Running Drills and strength training
  sessions. Total body strength is improved through various resistance training modalities (body weight,
  medicine ball, landmine, suspension training, and free weights) that target muscular endurance. Maximal
  effort testing and training should be delayed until later in the base period to avoid overtraining, illness, and
  injury.