This Worldwide Equipment Guide (WEG) describes the spectrum of worldwide systems and system trends in the Contemporary Operational Environment (COE). The updated and approved definition for COE is as follows: The contemporary operational environment (COE) is the collective set of conditions derived from a composite of actual worldwide conditions that pose realistic challenges for training, leader development and capabilities development for Army forces and their joint, intergovernmental, interagency and multinational partners. Tier Tables at Chapter 1 provide baseline examples of systems with counterparts in other capability tiers. Other systems are added to offer flexibility for tailoring the force systems mix. Substitution Tables starting at 1-7 offer other system choices versus baseline examples. The OPFOR in the COE should also include options for portraying "hybrid threat". Hybrid threat is defined as: ...the diverse and dynamic combination of regular forces, irregular forces, terrorist forces, and/or criminal elements, all unified to achieve mutually benefiting effects. The OPFOR force may use conventional weapons; but regular as well as irregular forces may also employ improvised systems, as described in Volume 1 Chapter 14, and in Volume 2 Chapter 7. Upgrade tables are included to capsulize WEG systems changes reflecting contemporary up-grade trends. The authors remind users that the WEG is not a product of the intelligence community. It was developed to support OPFOR portrayal in training simulations (constructive, virtual, and live) and activities, and is approved for that use. Systems and technologies in Chapter 17, Emerging Technologies, can be used in simulations for Near-Term and Mid-Term scenarios. The pages in this WEG are designed use in electronic form or for insertion into loose-leaf notebooks. This guide will be updated as often as necessary, in order to include additional systems, variants, and upgrades that are appropriate for OPFOR use.

General Military History