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The new OPFOR model is based on two packages: one for a heavy OPFOR and one for a light OPFOR. This model was developed to provide a flexible training threat that can be tailored to represent a wide range of potential threat capabilities and organizations. Each OPFOR package will contain three documents: an organization guide, an operations handbook and a tactics handbook. There will eventually be a total of six handbooks that document this capabilities-based OPFOR model. In September 1993, CAC Threats published the first two books in this series: CAC and Fort Leavenworth Pamphlets 350-1, Heavy Opposing Force (OPFOR) Organization Guide, and 350-2, Light Opposing Force (OPFOR) Organization Guide.

The capabilities-based OPFOR model represents a break from past practice in two principal respects. First, while the heavy and light OPFOR packages are based on the doctrine and organization of foreign armies, they are not simply unclassified handbooks on the forces of a particular nation. The OPFOR packages are composites that were deliberately constructed to provide a wide range of capabilities. Second, the packages are not associated with a fixed order of battle but provide the building blocks from which a variety of potential orders of battle can be derived.

The capabilities-based OPFOR will become the basis for the forces and doctrine used by the OPFOR units at the Combat Training Centers (CTCs) and is being integrated into the latest TRADOC Common Teaching Scenarios. Both packages were designed to accommodate the existing CTCs' OPFOR with not only relatively minor changes but also with the flexibility to adapt to the changing training requirements of the Force Projection Army.

The graphic at Figure 1 illustrates the two basic OPFOR packages that have been developed to implement this concept. Each of these packages provides a consistent but flexible doctrine and a varied set of organizational models. They accommodate a range of materiel options, and allow variety in the overall effectiveness of the force to reflect variables such as training, leadership and morale. Together, these two packages allow trainers to create a tailored OPFOR which is the functional equivalent of a wide range of potential threat forces.

The graphic at Figure 2 depicts how either of the OPFOR packages might be used to develop an OPFOR model and the road to war, with scenarios for its employment. Drawing from a variety of organizational building blocks, CAC Threats will work with a CTC to develop an order of battle. Next, the basic operational and tactical doctrine can be shaped to meet training requirements by selecting various "doctrinal tendencies." These doctrinal tendencies will provide for variety in the execution of doctrine, by allowing the OPFOR to adapt the basic doctrine. Finally, the CTCs will write the road-to-war-specific scenarios and the Combat Battle Instructions (CBIs), as they all do today.

CAC Threats will produce the training documentation required to execute this capabilities-based model. This documentation will support the variety of OPFOR models, operational concepts and tactics necessary to support all of our training venues. The OPFOR commander will have guidelines, not rules, by which to employ his forces.

The Light Operations Handbook has been distributed as an initial coordinating draft and reviewed by a Threat Coordination Group (TCG). It is scheduled for publication in the third quarter of FY94. The Heavy Operations Handbook is being written and is scheduled for publication in the fourth quarter of FY94. The tactical handbooks are targeted for publication in early FY95.

The TRADOC Common Teaching Scenario for Southwest Asia, developed by the Command and General Staff College, incorporates the new Heavy OPFOR. As the TRADOC schools and centers use the TRADOC Common Teaching Scenarios to develop their own instructional material for resident and nonresident courses, the new OPFOR concept will become fully integrated throughout TRADOC. By providing a common basis for the OPFOR, the Army can look forward to a consistent threat representation throughout all of its training venues.
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