text: Chapter 5
  Periodization
  Aspects of and approaches to training that were developed in the twentieth century
  included components of fitness, principles of training, and new training methods such
  as intervals, circuits, and periodization. Periodization is the division of training into
  blocks of time (periods) that focus on building readiness. This chapter describes how
  all the domains of readiness are included in the periodized approach to training of the
  H2F System.
  FUNDAMENTALS OF PERIODIZATION
  5-1. Periodization is the systematic planning of long- and short-term readiness training and testing in
  preparation for combat. This logical method of planning training maximizes training outcomes at specific
  periods or points in time. In the H2F System, periodization integrates the domains beyond physical
  readiness—mental readiness, spiritual readiness, nutritional readiness, and sleep readiness—that prepare a
  Soldier for combat. The idea of integrating more than just physical training in the periodized model is a more
  recent development, especially when applied to team or collective preparation for physical tests or events.
  5-2. Periodized training divides physical training into logical time periods. Each period—base, build, taper,
  combat, and recovery—has a specific training goal that builds on the preceding period. Periods can be weeks
  to months long with an individual’s periodized plan lasting for a year or more. Progress is measured across
  the different domains of readiness, energy systems, and components of fitness. Adjustments are made to
  avoid plateaus or reversals in fitness due to injury, illness, and unplanned life events. In a periodized plan,
  goals change over time from general fitness to a narrower focus on specific task performance.
  5-3. Sometimes, to help understand a concept like periodization, it helps to describe its opposite. In an
  unplanned or random training program, the Soldier does whatever he or she feels like. The workout is based
  on intuition, gut feel, tradition, and the time available to train, not the standard for the training. There is no
  attention to a written, individualized plan that has sequenced, structured targeting of fitness components.
  Performance goals center around getting the workout done and are performed with little attention to achieving
  peak performance. Test proficiency, not task proficiency, drives training choices and the culture of fitness.
  Hard effort tends to dominate the level of exertion. Work-to-rest ratios seldom follow validated approaches.
  This approach is common among novices. There is no attempt to assess the needs of each individual Soldier
  and design a program to meet those needs. This approach leads to varied, non-standardized programming
  and suboptimal outcomes.
  5-4. In the sustaining phase, the duration of the Soldier’s physical training plan and training session length
  should prepare Soldiers for expected deployment duration and the specific physical tasks of combat. If these
  are not known or scheduled, then staffs use previous deployment experience to guide planning. In the
  previous version of FM 7-22, phases of deployment preparation were divided into six-month segments. These
  can still be useful, but more flexible approaches are possible with periodized programming.
  5-5. Periodized blocks of training can last from several days to several months. They can be progressed
  over several years. This long-term approach suits the different lengths of Soldier careers. The H2F training
  phases—initial and sustaining—contain training cycles that last from a few days (microcycles) to several
  months or more (macrocycles). The H2F System facilitates more deliberate, customized, and comprehensive
  approaches to readiness training for smaller groups and individual Soldiers.
  5-6. The challenge for commanders is optimizing readiness in spite of the frequent changes in the unit’s
  training schedule, Soldier population, and deployment timeline. See Part Four beginning on page 13-1 for