What does the term “sustainment training” refer to in TRADOC Regulation 350-6?

The term “sustainment training” refers specifically to training designed to maintain and enhance skills over time. This type of training ensures that personnel continue to perform at their required levels of proficiency even after initial training has been completed. It focuses on reinforcing existing skills and adapting to new tasks or technologies as needed, which is crucial for maintaining operational readiness. Sustainment training also plays a vital role in helping individuals and units restore and enhance their capabilities over time, ensuring they remain effective in their roles even during periods of reduced training intensity or when transitioning to new assignments.

In the context of the other options, training delivered in short bursts may not adequately provide the depth and continuity required for continual skill enhancement. Training that occurs only before deployment does not account for the ongoing need for skill maintenance throughout a soldier's career. Lastly, training that focuses purely on theory overlooks the practical application of skills, which is essential for effective sustainment training.