This manual is one of a series that describes the contemporary Threat Force training used for U.S. Army Special Operations Forces units.

Together, these manuals outline a generic threat force that can cover the entire spectrum of military capabilities against, which the Army Special Forces must train to ensure success in any future conflict.

This manual is part of the TC 31–93 series that describes a contemporary Threat Force, that exists for the purpose of training U.S. Special Operations Forces for potential combat operations. This manual also describes paramilitary forces that, unlike a State’s internal security forces, are not part of a government structure. These include insurgents, terrorists, large–scale drug and criminal organizations, and private security organizations. They may operate independently or become affiliated with the State’s military or paramilitary forces.

This manual also deals with other, nonmilitary entities that are not part of a government and fall under the category of non-combatants. These non-government, non-military elements may include multinational corporations, international humanitarian relief organizations, media, small drug and criminal elements, and other civilians on the battlefield.

When a major extra-regional power, such as the United States, becomes involved in a region, it may have to deal with any or all of these types of paramilitary and non-military elements. It might encounter these elements individually or, more likely, in combination with other such elements or with the military forces of a regional power. Whether these elements operate in concert or independently, they are an important part of the contemporary operational environment (COE).

Find out more about U.S. Army Special Forces contemporary training in this comprehensive manual.