text: Training Management
  standards. They do this by increasing the complexity of task conditions, the levels of stress and by
  maximizing repetitions and sets until task mastery is achieved.
  TRAIN AS YOU FIGHT
  1-11. Leaders create training environments as close to combat-like conditions as possible. Such training
  environments include opposing forces (known as OPFOR) that replicate tough, realistic, and relevant near-
  peer threats in a variety of operational variables so Soldiers and units train to overcome the stress, chaos,
  uncertainty, and complexity of combat.
  SUSTAIN LEVELS OF TRAINING PROFICIENCY OVER TIME
  1-12. In training, commanders not only strive to reach training proficiency, but also seek to sustain levels of
  proficiency over time. Leaders understand the impact of task atrophy—that over time and circumstances,
  individual and unit skills naturally erode. Leaders actively and aggressively work to mitigate the effects of
  task atrophy by using available training resources to extend training proficiency when possible. Effectively
  leveraging live, virtual, and constructive environments assists leaders in sustaining training proficiency and
  enabling task mastery. Virtual training sets conditions for live training by allowing for unlimited task
  repetitions during the preparation phase of a training event and continued repetitions after execution helps
  sustain proficiency over time. Commanders are expected to sustain designated proficiency levels for mission-
  essential tasks, weapons qualification, and collective live-fire tasks within a ‘band of excellence.’ (See
  figure 1-1 for the band of excellence.) While commanders recognize the effects of task atrophy on unit
  training skills, they continuously mitigate the effects of task atrophy to sustain proficiencies over time.
  Figure 1-1. Sustaining unit training proficiency within a band of excellence
  TRAIN TO MAINTAIN
  1-13. Units train to maintain to keep personnel, equipment, and systems in the fight. Leaders ensure units
  conduct maintenance under all conditions to sustain effective combat power over time and significant
  distances.