During which stage do soldiers build on skills developed in institutional training?

The correct answer is that soldiers build on skills developed in institutional training during operational assignments. At this stage, soldiers are expected to apply and enhance the foundational skills and knowledge acquired during earlier training phases, including initial training and advanced individual training.

Operational assignments occur in real-world environments where soldiers face actual challenges. This experience allows them to refine their skills in practical settings, fostering a deeper understanding of their roles and enhancing their abilities to perform tasks effectively in the field. It is through these assignments that soldiers can integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application, leading to professional growth and operational readiness.

In contrast, initial training focuses on basic skills and knowledge, while advanced individual training centers on more specific competencies. Unit mobilization involves preparing units for deployment and is a later stage in the training continuum where previously learned skills are readied for application in a collective setting. Thus, operational assignments are key to building upon the foundation set during institutional training.