What is the role of leaders in battle-focused training according to FM 7-1?

Leaders play a crucial role in battle-focused training as outlined in FM 7-1 by being responsible for planning, executing, and evaluating training that is directly aligned with the unit's mission and the tasks that soldiers will be required to perform in combat scenarios. This involves a systematic approach to ensure that the training objectives are relevant and effectively prepare soldiers for the challenges they will face. By engaging in this process, leaders help create a training environment that is both structured and dynamic, fostering an atmosphere of continuous improvement and adaptation according to operational needs.

Focusing on this role allows leaders to identify gaps in training, reinforce skills, and adjust training methodologies to better meet the evolving demands of military operations. It underscores the importance of leadership in not simply overseeing a program but actively being involved in its development and assessment to ensure maximal readiness and effectiveness of their soldiers.