text: ______________________________________________________________________________Introduction
  TRAINING
  In training environments, the COE is the OE created to approximate the de-
  mands of the real-world COE and to set the conditions for desired training out-
  comes. This involves the appropriate combination of an OPFOR (with military
  and/or paramilitary capabilities representing a composite of a number of potential
  adversaries) and other OE variables in a realistic, feasible, and plausible manner.
  The purpose of the COE in training simulations is to produce the necessary training
  outcomes.2
  Even in the COE for training, it is possible to speak of an overall COE that ad-
  dresses the qualities of virtually any OE in which the units or individuals being
  trained might be called upon to operate. In this sense, there are the same “con-
  stants” as in the real-world COE.
  INTERACTION AND LINKAGE OF VARIABLES
  The variables of the COE do not exist in isolation from one another. The linkages
  of the variables cause the complex and often simultaneous dilemmas that a
  military force might face. In order to provide realistic training, training
  scenarios must try to simulate this synergistic effect to the maximum degree
  that is feasible.
  The COE is not just about the OPFOR. The COE variables and their interaction
  provide the robust environment and context for OPFOR operations. The com-
  plexity of the specific OE in training can be adjusted to keep it appropriate for
  the required training objectives and the training state of various U.S. Army
  units.
  ADAPTIVE AND CHANGING
  The nature of the COE is adaptive and constantly changing. As the United States
  and its military forces interact with the COE in a real-world sense, the OE
  changes. As the Army applies the lessons learned from training in a COE setting,
  the OPFOR and potential real-world adversaries will also learn and adapt.
  The development of the COE for training started with research to develop an un-
  derstanding of the real-world COE and trends that affect military operations. Then,
  taking into consideration the desired training outcomes and leader development
  goals, the authors of the FM 7-100 series proceeded to document an OPFOR doctrine
  and structure that reflect the real-world COE, and the Army began integrating this
  OPFOR and other COE variables into training scenarios. Meanwhile, the authors of
  the FM 7-100 series are continuing to research the real-world COE and to mature
  the OPFOR and the COE in training in order to provide a richer, appropri-
  ately challenging training environment and keep the OPFOR and the COE
  truly “contemporary.”
  2
  The same type of COE conditions can be created to support some combat development activities that do not re-
  quire simulation of a specific real-world potential adversary. However, some combat development activities may
  require portrayal of an OE that extends further into the future than is typical for the COE.