Opposing forces

Human intelligence for the battlefield starts in the training base. U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command ensures that one way Soldiers realize that "every Soldier is a Sensor" is during a rotation through the combat training centers, or CTCs, where they meet the Army's world-class opposing forces, or OPFOR.

The OPFORs are supported by TRADOC's Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence. Following is a brief outline of that support; for more information, read TRADOC intel plays major role in developing leaders.

• DCSINT produces the Opposing Force Series, which discuss the Joint Operational Environment. The Opposing Force Series, a set of six publications (the Field Manual 7-100 series), provides the framework for potential U.S. adversaries and is the "bible" for the OPFOR in wargames and experimentation in the Army. Part of the series is the Worldwide Equipment Guide, and another part is the much-in-demand Military Guide to Terrorism in the 21st Century. DCSINT guides the scenario writers at the CTCs via these documents and continually revises them based on the writers' feedback.
• DCSINT also produces the Exercise Design Guide, which outlines how to build a credible adversary for the U.S. military to use in wargame scenarios and training.
• DCSINT is the executive agent for the U.S. Army's OPFOR, or Red, forces.

--Also see DCSINT mission outline

Articles about TRADOC's role in the U.S. Army OPFOR:

• March 19, 2004 -- Opposing forces conference focuses on synchronization