What does "operational planning" contribute to training cycles?

Operational planning plays a crucial role in ensuring that training cycles are effectively aligned with mission objectives. By establishing a clear connection between the training activities and the overarching goals of a mission, operational planning enables units to focus their efforts on developing the specific skills and competencies necessary for success in their assigned tasks. This alignment helps facilitate a more targeted and efficient training process, ensuring that soldiers are equipped with the needed capabilities to accomplish their missions.

In contrast, while other areas like scheduling physical fitness tests, incorporating technology, or selecting training personnel are important aspects of a training program, they do not directly address the core function of operational planning. These other elements may support training efforts, but they do not inherently provide the framework necessary to connect training outcomes with mission requirements, which is the essence of operational planning.