When does the Sustainment phase of the FRTP begin?

The Sustainment phase of the Force Generation Training Plan (FRTP) begins after the U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF) certifies individual units. This phase is crucial as it ensures that the units are fully prepared and capable of performing their assigned missions following the initial qualifications and certifications completed during earlier phases of training.

Once USFF provides certification, it signals that the units have met the necessary standards and are equipped to operate effectively in their designated roles. This certification acts as a formal acknowledgment that the unit is ready to enter the Sustainment phase, during which they maintain and enhance their operational readiness through continued training and exercises.

While maintenance, CNO Availability, and the shakedown phase are all critical aspects of a unit’s lifecycle, they do not directly denote the beginning of the Sustainment phase. These processes occur prior to the certification by USFF, meaning that the Sustainment phase is fundamentally reliant on completing the certification to validate a unit’s readiness status.