This is the official BMCER lore guide, to be updated with information and corrections as needed. Due to the fact BMCER takes some creative liberties with many aspects of Black Mesa and as there are some people who misinterpret this, I have taken the liberty to write down the most notable ways BMCER differs from generally accepted Half Life lore, as well as in-universe explanations for some creative decisions. This also acts as general guide to people making their own expansions for BMCER, or just use BMCER assets for other projects, assuming you want to avoid criticism from me, public or otherwise, regarding "incorrect" usage of the models.
- DWBoyGamer

-Comments on this discussion are not disabled so people will be able to ask any questions they may have. Any comments regarding alterations to this lore you might want to see made will be read but likely ignored. Also please avoid any rants or general complaints about it not fitting Valves official Half Life canon or your headcanon as these will be immediatelly ignored and possibly deleted. People are entitled to having opinions, but unless you are able to word them in constructive way they dont belong here.

- Unlike what many people believe, despite out direct support for HECURE that mod is not part of the BMCER canon. However, we try avoid direct conflicts with its lore when ever possible.

- Only main BMCER mod itself, this guide and HECUR depiction of HECU are considered part of definetive BMCER canon. Any content that doesnt fit this criteria, whether that be other mods, including any optional addons apart from HECURE, artwork and writer, is not and can not be considered as definetive canon no matter how closely it adheres to the existing lore.

- Some information mentioned here later may seem like no-brainer, which if it does to you thats good, however I have seen cases of people thinking otherwise of seemingly obvious lore details so lot of those are mentioned here anyway. In contrast, some of the information may seem completely arbitrary and have no impact on the mod itself. This kind of lore is usually added as preparation to have context for future update(s).

- We have lot more lore regarding BMCER version of extended Half Life universe thought up than whats mentioned here, especially about HL2, 7 hour war and events leading up to it, lot of it just isnt worth mentioning if it doesnt affect this mod directly in any way.

- BMCER is not intended to be fully realistic or accurate to real life with its lore and design decisions. Realism most certainly has its place and charm, but it also limits creativity and fun factor. At most, BMCER is trying to be believable aka something that at least at a glance could have existed or would have made sense to exist even if it didnt, if this explanation makes any sense.

- To avoid confusion due to "Black Mesa" having multiple different definitions depending on the context, this guide sticks to semi-consistent terminology and avoids using just "Black Mesa" unless necessary. The incident is always "Black Mesa Incident", the facility is always "Black Mesa Research Facility" or "BMRF", the county/area is always "Black Mesa, New Mexico", the military base located over the facility is always "Black Mesa Air Base", the corporation owning the facility is always "Black Mesa Corporation" and the game itself is always "BMS"

- BMCER depiction of Black Mesa Incident is intended to take place in the retro futuristic version of May 16th 1998, however as this topic is extremely divisive with in the community we try to stick to a more general late 90s/early 2000s aesthetic when it comes to developing this mod. Though, any mentions of dates within BMCER itself (mainly on the ID badges) will stick to the intended timeline for the sake of consistency and cohesion.

-BMCER depicts BMRF as having been formally founded in 1955 (we needed a founding year for the security guard sleeve patches and Racer went with 1955 so 1955 it is) however the corporation that owns the facility very likely would have already existed for years before that.

- BMCER considers the overall events of the expansions as part of its extended canon. BM:BS, BM:AS and some other mods are also considered part of its canon, but only in terms of their overalls events and story. This is to say, events of them might take place in BMCER lore, but the way games/mods showcase them (so both in terms of visuals and in terms of timeline) arent necessarily how their happened. The prior also applies for Half Life 2, its episodes and Half Life: Alyx, they are considered canon but the way the games represented them is not necessarily how they happened in BMCER universe.

- Black Mesa Research Facility, constructed in disused missile silo complex originally used to store and manufacture nuclear weapons, was originally founded by Black Mesa Corporation in 1955 as private sector research facility to work for the highest bidder, that usually being US government and the military. Following several scientific breakthrus during 1960s, BMRF officially became government research facility despite still being owned by Black Mesa Corporation. After classified incident in 1966, military base was organized at the topside areas of the facility, this being designated as Black Mesa Air Base. Despite being officially classified as airforce base, due to the highly sensitive research being performed in there, the facility has large US marine presence to ensure its protection from any possible threat, be that from outside of the facility or, especially after the 1966 incident, from within it. To general public Black Mesa is known as airforce base that includes military research facility working with experimental aircrafts, weapon systems and other military technology, experimental nuclear power plant supplying power for nearby civilian locations, nuclear waste disposal facility and series of missile silos and launch centers.

- ID badges are required to be worn by all personnel at all times with the exception of HEV personnel and firemen in full uniform. HEV suits are usually specifically adjusted to a specific user, and said user is required to identify themselves on the suit cabinet control panel before being able to put on the suit. Fireman do have ID badges but its never worn on the their jacket since it would get damaged by heat and flames. Any non BMRF personnel, DOE Security Force, visitors and contractors on-site are also issued with their own, unique, ID badges. Unlike the others, DOE Security Force aren't required to keep their visible at all times outside of security checkpoint duty. Visitors and contractors get ID badges similar to BMRF ones but with unique color schemes. Visitor ID badge is hung from the neck rather than attached to clothing due to the short time they usually spend in the facility.

- BMRF has its own airport, operated by Black Mesa Aviation Ops and secured by Black Mesa Aviation Authority, and small fleet of aircrafts, comprising of Blackhawks, Hueys and passenger/cargo transport planes. Fighter jets are relatively common sight in the facility as well, however these are owned by DOE Security Force rather than BMRF.

- Due to its highly classified nature, and to limit non-employees in the facility, Black Mesa is mostly self sufficient. It has its own police force in the form of private security division, SWAT in the form of First Response, fire department, hospital, psychiatrists, waste disposal, airfield, power plants, internal logistics networks ect. with even the shipments to and from the facility being handled exclusively by military/USMC and Allied Processing. Visitors from various government agencies and organizations are relatively common however, though their presence is hardly noticed by majority of the staff.

- Smoking is strictly not allowed inside the facility or near any laboratories, for obvious reasons (except during emergencies, I guess. Looking at you Hunter the HEV guard!)

- All non security officer Black Mesa employees carrying syringes is just for gameplay purposes. This does not have any lore implication.

- Generally speaking, wristwatches are allowed to be worn by all Black Mesa personnel, with the exceptions of situations where wearing one could be hazardous for what ever reason. at the moment only scientists, security guards and paramedic models can wear wristwatches, but this is merely due to limitations of the game. Security Division are sometimes supplied with wristwatches, depending on their duties and other factors.

- Female versions of most BMRF staff types would realistically speaking exist, however only handful of them are represented here due to limitations of the game, those being regular and senior scientists, cleansuit scientists, regular guards and office workers.

- Due to the status of BMRF as government research facility, OSHA doesnt have much real power over it. OSHA does however routinely send its inspectors from El Paso office to inspect some less secret sectors of the facility under security escort to offer suggestions in terms of improvements, which are usually taken in to consideration by BMRF administration to ensure effectiveness will not suffer because of unnecessarily dangerous work environments. This is not however strictly required by them, despite Black Mesa technically being private entity, US government more often than not turns blind eye on their shady practices due to their heavy involvement with the research being performed in there.

- BMRF has had three administrators during its 43 operating years. Dr. Reagan Strauss held the position from 1955 to 1966, with his tenure being cut short due to classified incident which he got the blame for leading to his firing and subsequent disappearance. His successor dr. Kalevi Pulkkinen got the position the same year and held it until his retirement in 1982, with him being followed by dr. Wallace Breen likewise in 1982.

- HUD (Holographic Utility Display) glasses are pair of heavy duty protective glasses supposed to be used in conjunction with external equipment to display information (such as vital sign or radiation readings) directly in front of their users eyes for easier access to said information. These glasses were originally created by BMRF as proposal for USMC to become part of the PCV System, however due to PCV itself already costing more than originally intended, USMC chose to go with the cheaper option for heads up display device instead, this being the LW headset. Instead of abandong the concept of these glasses, BMRF chose to polish them up and adapt them to work with their own equipment. These glasses are compatible with HEV, ELM and PCV systems as well as BMSIC. The main flaw of this device is the inability to wear regular prescription glasses and some face covering masks alongside it, requiring its users to opt for contact lenses, stick with regular glasses or have reduced eye sight. HEV MKIV helmet uses the same technology but without the main limitations of HUD glasses.

- Black Mesa Research Facility has eight levels of security clearances. Level 1 "low" security clearance (visitors and personnel who dont need any kind of actual clearance, like cafeteria staff and contractors), Level 2 "medium" security clearance (most of Facility Operations), Level 3 "high" security clearance (general administration as well as newly hired science team members), Level 4 "very high" security clearance (majority of the science team), Level 5 "confidential" security clearance (veteran scientists, not to be confused with senior scientists, and low ranking administration board members), Level 6 "Lambda" security clearance (Biodome and Lambda Complex personnel, plus those directly involved with Project Columbus), Level 7 "administration" security clearance (facilitys security commander, sector admins and most members of administrative board) and Level 8 "chief" security clearance (administrator). Commanding officers of First Response Incident Command are permitted to override standard chain of command during emergencies if/when necessary.

- Black Mesa Corporation owns three subsidiaries, Allied Processing, Northern Petrol Gas & Oil and Novatech Construction & Manufacturing LLC. Allied Processing is small shell company, acting as public front of Black Mesa Corporation. It was originally founded as part of Project Columbus as off-site facility to perform mining operations in the borderworld and to retrieve larger samples. During late 80s it also became logistics company for purposes of transporting shipments from and to BMRF in unmarked trucks to maintain high level of secrecy. Northern Petrol Gas & Oil being closely affiliated with BMRF is much lesser know fact. Unlike Allied Processing, they are a genuine, international company, pumping oil from Black Mesa Corporation's land, near BMRF, both for use by BMRF themselfs, Black Mesa Air Base and for selling it. Novatech Construction & Manufacturing LLC was a construction company hired to construct Biodome Complex during 1970s and who were later bought by Black Mesa Corporation to become the dedicated construction crew of BMRF, given that it's much more reliable to swear a member of a Black Mesa Corporation subsidiary to secrecy regarding construction projects than it is a random contractor company. Under their new mother company, Novatech began manufacturing basic construction equipment for both public and BMRF use.

- Black Mesa Security Division, BMSD for short, is a private security force employed by BMRF themselfs, not to be confused with DOE Security Force employed by USMC. While such experience would obviously be preferred, BMSD doesnt exclusive hire ex-military or law enforcement, but also those with little to no work experience as long as they can pass rigorous background check and security training. All BMSD personnel are deputized, granting them power to arrest and hold violators if and when necessary, however since they arent technically speaking actual law enforcement they are required to hand over any such violators to DOE Security Force. On-duty members of BMSD are rarely if ever seen outside of the facility.

-BMSD is much less lenient than Research & Development Division when it comes to uniform policy. All guards apart from special sub divisions, namely HEV security and Special Security Force, are required to wear the same dark blue pants, ligh blue shirt with dark blue highlights, with both long and short sleeve versions of this being available depending on personal preference, black boots and black tie with tie clip with the same standard issue Black Mesa branded bulletproof vest being issued for all divisions. Security vests are not however universally required in all parts of the facility. In some areas with lower security clearance (such as in and around dormitories) its not uncommon to see on-duty guards without vest. Therefore lack of holster is generally a better indication of whether or not guard is on-duty or not. Alongside vests, security jackets are also a fairly common sight. These are supposed to be used by security officers in or near topside areas during night shifts, but its not uncommon to see guard with one during daytime as well either for protection from the wind or simply because the officer likes wearing one. Often security officers in patrol duty or guarding important entrances are also issued with utility belt for holding a flashlight, zipties, pepper spray, extra ammo, set of keys for their assigned areas as well as other miscellaneous equipment. Variant of PCV created for security use exists in form of UPV, however this is only issued to FRTOU as type of heavy vest due it not being cost effective to issue it for every branch let alone every member of BMSD. It is generally suggested by Black Mesa administration that guards wearing helmets should tuck their pant sleeves in to their boots but this is not strictly enforced as part of the BMRF's dress code for security personnel, often leaving it up to individual to decide how they wish wear their pants as long as they wear them. Walkie talkies and headsets are also issued for communication purposes.

- BMSD members are required to carry their sidearm with them at all times while on-duty, regardless of their assignment (within reason, obviously). Glock 17 and 357 Magnum are the standard issue sidearms for all Black Mesa security officers, however they are also allowed to use any personal sidearm as long as it uses ammo thats already stockpiled by BMRF, it fits in standard issue holster and is deemed otherwise acceptable by their supervisors (such as its firerate and general reliability having to be on acceptable levels). This is not portrayed in-game due to there only being two pistols usable by guards in-game. Security officers may also carry MP5s and shotguns depending on their assignment, though prior one is currently not portrayed in the mod.

- BMSD headwear differs depending on rank and tasks of a member. Security helmets with visors are primarily used in areas of the facility that deal with organic samples or that otherwise have increased likelyhood of situations requiring security to open fire. 8points are primarily used by guards stationed at security desks/checkpoints or in CCTV duty unless security clearance of the area demands a helmet. Security caps are primarily used by guards in patrol duty likewise unless security clearance of the area demands a helmet. Smokey hats are used by lieutenants and captains and berets are used by chiefs and commanders, however either of these might get replaced with helmet once again if security clearance of an area demands such, however this is fairly rare given ranks of lieutenant and up dont usually perform checkpoint, CCTV or patrol duty. Sergeant is only higher rank that doesnt get special headwear, more often than not they use either 8points or security helmets.

- BMSD has hierarchy not unlike what typical law enforcement might have. Cadets are security trainees with very limited security clearance. Guard is the lowest ranking post-training security position, typically seen either topside or in low security areas like the dormitories. Officers are essentially same as Guards, just with more responsibilities. They are trusted to act more independently and patrol areas as well as man checkpoints. Agents, not to be confused with SSF agents, are Officers assigned to specific area, they typically arent rotated around the facility like other security are. Specialist is unique rank for Officers working in higher security areas that require unusual tasks to be performed, a good example of this being the Specimen Handlers of Biodome Complex equipped with HEV suits. Sergeants are responsible for supervising assigned Security personnel but they occasionally do normal Security duties too as needed. Ranks of Sergeant and higher receive collar pins based on their rank to differentiate them from lower ranking security. Lieutenants are responsible for supervising entire areas, occasionally does normal Security duties when needed. They typically reports directly to either their Captain or the Sector Security Chief. Captains are responsible for managing Security in areas, commonly seen assigning posts for guards and giving instructions for Lieutenants to relay. Chiefs are responsible for managing entire Sectors, typically seen overseeing operations and organizing command staff. highest rank BMSD can reach, commander is responsible for facility-wide security management, typically seen around the facility keeping order. While easily mistaken as such, DOE pin doesnt actually represent rank, instead its reserved for former members of DOE Security Force who have joined BMSD after their retirement from USMC.

- Flashlights carried by BMSD are able to be used as blunt melee weapon if necessary, hence nightstick/baton are not (anymore) part of the standard issue equipment for BMSD. Exceptions to this is telescope baton used by FRTOU who have tactical flashlights and HEV security who have flashlight build in to their suit and as such require dedicated melee weapons for close quarter combat situations.

- In certain situations security officers wear a HEV suit instead of the standard uniform. Lambda Complex is the most notable example of this, with security officers working in the Reactor Complex or Teleportation Laboratories being issues standard orange HEV suits with white shield insignia on the front panel as their uniforms. This is partially for protection from radiation but also to make sure they will be able to safely step thru portals should their duty demand this. Security officers stationed in Xen also wear HEV suits but they also get the same harness as Survey Team scientists, just without the holster since they have their own. Another use case of them are Biodome Complex and Gamma Laboratories where security officers specializing in live specimen containment are supplied with unique blue HEV suits for extra protection. This blue HEV suit was part of experimental patch of HEV suits created with cheaper materials. These were created as part of a test to see if HEV suits would still be capable of providing enough protection to be worth issuing if they were made with cheaper materials and to see if they would be viable/cost effective option for supplying for security officers stationed outside of Lambda Complex. This is the reason why the blue HEV clearly looks to be of rougher build than the suits you see in other parts of the facility. After the test was deemed unsuccesful, the suits were repurposed by Biodome Complex. Security officers with HEV suits are most of them time also issued with HUD glasses to make use of the suits monitoring systems without the need for dedicated helmet allowing for standard helmet type used by BMSD to still be used.

- The Specialized Security Force, abreviated to SSF and commonly referred to as 'Special Security' or (unprofessionally) as "Men in Black" and "bodyguards", are a unique sub-division of BMSD. Despite technically falling under security, they typically act as an autonomous detachment, with the task of escorting and guarding higher ranking BMRF personnel, especially those in the Administrative Department as well as some visitors. They are typically recruited from ex military and federal positions, though are sometimes handpicked straight from the BMSD , FRTOU, and the DOE Security Force. Special Security Agents are permitted to ignore typical security guidelines, bending the rules how they deem fit in order to ensure maximum protection for their assigned VIP. They are also one of the few divisions that travel off-site, accompanying BMRF officials during official events. The administrator dr. Breen has been known to constantly have two SSF Agents at his side, no matter where he is on-site, as the SSF have been sworn to secrecy in order to allow them into higher security areas than what is typical for their rank. If in an emergency an SSF Agent successfully leads their escort to a safe location, they are permitted to assist normal security with emergency response as if they were a normal security officer. Uniform of SSF is the most formal out of all BMSD sub-divisions, having its agents wear a black suit, pants, shoes, tie, white shirt, holster hidden under suit, shades and earpiece giving them somewhat ominous look compared to other BMRF security, hence their nicknames. During emergencies SSF Agent may don a flak vest and FRTOU helmet for protection. While SSF technically have access to same arsenal of gear and weaponry as rest of BMSD, they are rarely if ever seen with anything but Glock 17 pistol which may be silenced.

- The Black Mesa Transit Authority, simply abbreviated to 'BMTA', is a sub-division of BMSD that is in charge of guarding the facility's logistics and freight areas, as well as the civilian transit system, whether that be on topside checkpoints or the tram system. They also sometimes escort shipments to where ever they need to go inside the facility. Given the nature of BM's shipments and cargo, it can be a very high security position depending on where you are posted, hence why the transit authority is so small. They can be easily differentiated from other BMSD branches by their unique open collar shirts, lack of tie and occasional security variant of high visibility vest.

- The Black Mesa Airport Authority, lesser known younger brother of BMTA, typically referred to as just "Airport Security" and simply abreviated BMAA is likewise a sub-division of BMSD. Their work consists of guarding the facility airport, as well as the various hangars and storage areas denoted to the airport. They are the only security detachment whose only specialty is being posted in a different area of the facility, whereas all the others have unique tasks, equipment and uniform. Uniform for BMAA is as such practically indistinguishable from standard BMSD uniform, only sporting different title on their ID badge. Given the obvious low-stakes environment of working at the airport, at least compared to rest of the facility, most entry-level security personnel are filtered in through the Airport Authority before being posted elsewhere in BMRF.

- All BMSD personnel are required to complete at least basic first-aid course to be able to help during emergencies with more than with just firepower. Dedicated security medics do not exist in BMSD due to lack of any kind of real position within its hierarchy, however FRTOU are trained as field medics among other things to offset this.

- The Research & Development Division (R&D Division) is the over-arching group that runs the Science Team, Engineering & Infrastructure Division, as well as some lesser known office positions. The Science Team itself has several research teams, each of which is specialized for a certain field of study. The E&I Division designs practical applications for BMRF, ranging from rockets to coffee machines. Their Manufacturing Team are the ones who building said applications, at least the larger ones and have very little part in the design process.

- Senior scientist is a position and not actually related to the age of the person with that title. Someone of younger age can get promoted to the role of senior scientist. And respectively, scientists of advanced age DO NOT automatically get promoted to senior scientist. Someone like Kleiner or Rosenberg doesn't need to have a sweater vest and white shirt just because they are older gentlemen and their colleagues Eli and Keller have them. Promotion to senior scientist also doesnt mean automatic increase in ones security clearance. Main difference between both of senior scientist and regular scientist is that in addition to standard labwork senior scientists also oversee regular scientists. A laboratory usually has multiple senior scientists working in it, with it egeven not being too uncommon to have one senior scientist per medium to large lab space

- Black Mesa's Science Team follow an unusually strict on-site dress code compared to other civil departments, and applies to all on-site science team personnel in every sector of the facility. Almost all of their uniform is company issued, consisting of a white labcoat, blue-ish green button-up that can come with long or short sleeves, a black leather belt with a gold buckle, brown penny loafers, and beige khakis. Ties are issued too, however personnel are permitted to bring in their own tie as long as it is approved by their supervisor. Red suspenders are also issued though not required. Male senior scientists receive a white version of the standard button-up, as well as a tan sweater vest and female senior scientists receive light green shirt with tan skirt. An alternative white pair of pants is offered to staff, made out of a material similar to the labcoat which is more ideal for lab environments, at the cost of looking like an idiot. Likewise female senior scientists also receive a white skirt. When off duty, scientists are allowed to use much more comfortable sneakers instead of penny loafers.

- Project Columbus is the internal codename of BMRF used to refer to Xen survey project aiming to establish permanent off-site research outpost in Xen that began in 1982. Even though BMRF had been performing countless expeditions to the borderworld since its discovery over decade and a half earlier, no permanent outpost had yet been built there. Off-site science team personnel who are part of it wear unique uniform, which includes Apollo mission style dark blue coveralls with US flag and project Columbus insignia as well as black heavy duty boots, similar to what workers of BMRF have, as their casual wear and dark blue lightweight and unarmored protective suit with metal plated boots instead of a labcoat as their work wear. Every surveyteam member is supplied with their own HEV suit with harness, this including climbing gear, gear pouches, attached pistol holster and suspenders, however these are primarily meant for when they are outside of their assigned research base. Alongside the scientist team, Project Columbus survey team also includes small detachment of HEV security officers.

- HEV Project was started under the supervision of the second administrator of BMRF, dr. Pulkkinen in 1966 shortly after the incident. Early prototype of the suit, so called MK0, was merely an ordinary hazmat suit with military webbing attached to it for carrying additional equipment. This prototype was created in a hurry in order to research effects of the incident, but quickly proved to not be enough for what it was needed for due to it only providing protection against radiation and chemical based hazards. HEV MKI created in 1967 was the first actual HEV suit, though it still mostly resembled MK0 only with metallic armor plating slapped over it. It did however come with rudimentary biomecatronic systems, such as electromyographic vital sign monitoring. HEV MKII created in 1971 was the first HEV type to include integrated medical systems, though this early model required button to be pressed to use them, integrated geiger counter, kevlar armor that was actually integrated as part of the suit and that could easily be replaced without taking the suit apart, as well as vital sign and radiation reading display inside the helmet itself in form of gauges. This early model, despite going on to serve BMRF for impressive 11 years, was rather primitive and suffered from problems. It was prone to malfunctions and leaks, and common complain from its wearers was its weight. For these reasons development on HEV MKIII began in 1976, however it wasnt completed until 1981, just in time for Project Columbus. HEV MKIII was indeed big upgrade over MKII. It included first implementation of rechargable force field based armor instead of regular plating which meant dramatic increase in level of protection, it came with integrated flashlight and geigercounter, automated medical systems and also dealt with the weight issue by including in-built movement assisting exoskeleton to the armor, giving it very distinct power armor look. MKIII wasnt without flaws either however. These included the design choice to remove helmet display MKII had, instead including the display meters to the suits arms, its bulkiness making it rather cumbersome, its power systems, which it had two which also contributed to the suits weight, not being able to to handle the movement assist being used for both running and sustaining suits weight for any extended periods of time without being overheated and requiring used to wait for it to cool down before being able to move around properly again and its weight practically immobilizing the user if the movement assist feature ever malfunctioned. HEV MKIV, which was planned to fix these issues, began development in 1994 under supervision of dr. Gina Cross with it replacing MKIII by the following year. Dr. Cross managed to compress the suits systems in to smaller space allowing the suits weight to be reduced massively allowing it to be used even without movement assisting systems if necessary. This also allowed the suits movement assist to function without extra power system or overheating for extended periods of time, even in active use. MKIV brought back the helmet displays MKII was known for, however MKIV version of this was using holographic display technology allowing the suit to be even more compact. It was also the first model of the suit where helmet could be removed while keeping all of the suits systems online. This of course came at the cost of not being able to see helmet display when it was removed. MKIV also came with optional golden visor meant to be placed over the primary one for protection against extremely bright lights inspired by similar visors used with NASA spacesuits, as well as harness for carrying additional gear, both developed at the request of Project Columbus survey team. The harness is rarely used outside of survey teams, however the golden visor did go on to be used by HEV security as replacement for shades during rare instances were they are needed outdoors. Dr. Cross began development on MKV in 1998, with it being estimated to replace MKIV by 2004. MKV would have included return of armor plating alongside the force field based armor MKIII and MKIV made famous, only this time for purposes of absorbing and dissapating some types of energy blasts directed towards the suits user theoretically allowing them to be protected from certain particle based attacks that would otherwise penetrate thru the force field armor, though this was predicted to make the suit heavy enough to once again cause suits power supply to require recharging more often to ensure proper functionality of the movement assist.

- Engineering & Manufacturing Division are split in to two sub divisions, Engineers and Manufacturing Team. Engineers work together with the science team to design and maintain more specialized equipment, such as delivery rocket payloads, Anti Mass Spectrometer and nuclear waste treatment/storage machinery. They are also the drivers of the yellow walker robots used for equipment transport in many parts of the facility. Manufacturing Team are the workers of BM's Manufacturing & Development areas, wearing a variant of the engineer uniform who build the things designed by engineers and science team. Members of Engineering & Manufacturing are often scientists themselfs, leading to their supervisors wearing buttoned up shirts and ties identical to the ones worn by the science team.

- External Lifeline Monitor, ELM for short, is vital sign monitoring device used by engineering & manufacturing and Reactor Operations workers as well occasionally by FRTOU. The information can be viewed either by physically looking looking at the screen of the device or remotely via linked computer terminal it has been linked to. It can also be paired with HUD glasses. Two types of ELM are in use by BMRF, worker variant and tactical variant. Worker variant is attached to harness and is generally used alongside coveralls. Unlike the tactical variant, worker ELM can also read radiation and biohazard readings providing extra level of protection in hazardous work environments, but coming at the cost of increased size and weight. Its original purpose was to be used as (experimental) safety measure by engineers working with potentially hazardous equipment/in potentially hazardous environments, however the device has since been adapted as permanent part of the engineer uniform due to false sense of security its early models created in its users, even before implementation of HUD glasses. Cleansuits used by Black Mesa R&D division also comes with worker ELM built in to it. Tactical variant comes with just the vital sign reading but allows remote monitoring from farther distances and comes with tracking beacon.

- Black Mesa Standard Issue Cleansuit (BMSIC) is piece of protective gear occasionally used by R&D Division rather than being permanent uniform for them. Despite how it may appear, gasmask isnt always required to be worn with the suit, its used only when the suit itself isnt enough to protect its user, such as when dealing with leaking toxic waste silos. The suit also comes with two different headset options, with the user being able to select which one they wish to use. The earpiece is the preferred one by most for its comfortability and lightweight, but standard military grade headset with mic has proven to be more reliable and less prone to malfunctions in most situations and is still usually available for most users. Additionally, Cleansuit engineers are also supplied with equipment belt for geiger counter and tools plus climbing harness attached to them. Security guards may, in rare occasions, be required to wear cleansuits while on duty, however security guard variant of cleansuits does not exist. This because areas where such gear would be required arent actively patrolled by security for the simple reason that mere presence of radiation acts as enough of security measure to deter large majority of potential trespassers. Only areas of the facility where security personnel are stationed in close enough proximity to radiation where they would need protective gear is in Lambda Complex where they are supplied with HEV suits anyway. BMSIC was created was off shoot of HEV project during early 90s as more affordable next generation protective suit.

- Black Mesa Facility Operations, Facility Ops for short, are BMRF department under which all worker and maintenance divisions and sub-divisions fall. Their work is to ensure everything in the facility is in tip top shape and working as intended, allowing for the science to happen. Subdivisions of Facility Operations include general administration, repairmen, technicians, waste disposal, IT support, logistics, cafeteria and construction workers. Despite of their very similar uniform, Engineering & Manufacturing sector are not part of Facility Ops, instead being part of R&D Division

- Office workers aka general administration, lovingly nicknamed pencil pushers and desk jockeys, are the backbone of not only Facility Operations but also BMRF as a whole, keeping the facility running by handling the boring paper work related to accounting, finances and reports and by performing in-house safety inspections.

- Headwear is good identifier on what sub class of a division a worker belongs in. Caps are primarily used by custodians, vehicle technicians/mechanics and logistics transport drivers, while hardhats are used by waste disposal workers, heavy duty machine techncians and warehouse workers. Only outlier to this rule of thumb are maintenance workers/repairmen, who use caps and helmets interchangeably depending on the situation and sector of BMRF they are working in. On the other hand, supervisors of worker sub-divisions are easily identifiable from them wearing cream colored, short sleeved buttoned up shirts and a tie under their coveralls instead of just black or white undershirt. This uniform code is also shared by supervisors of Engineer & Manufacturing sector, however they use senior scientist and scientist shirts respectively, but not by Hospitality & Catering Division who instead use chef hats to differentiate their supervisors.

- Technicians, depending on their work assignment, handle repairs on more delicate electronics of BMRF (Server machines, electric doors etc) but also work as mechanics repairing vehicles. They are not, however, the IT support of BMRF that comes to clean peoples PCs of viruses. The IT support of BMRF would wear the same shirt and tie as office workers, with only possibly difference being ID badge similar to that of technicians.

- While technically not part of Facility Operations due to their status as contractors, Novatech workers make up bulk of BMRF's contractors, and with them working so closely with BMRF staff they are are often considered as part of it. Facility Ops make extensive use out of Novatech vehicles and equipment, and vice versa with Novatech using what Facility Ops has to offer. Due to the previously mentioned technicality, dress code of Novatech workers is much more lenient than that of any other facility personnel. Their shirts, off-duty sneakers and hardhats are issued by BMRF, but apart from that they can wear practically what ever they please leading to Novatech workers looking considerably more casual than rest of BMRF staff. They are sometimes seen in high-grade worker vests also used by Facility Ops, sometimes in cheaper ones issued by Novatech. Their supervisors have the same uniform policy as Facility Operation when it comes to shirts, however they do not wear ties as part of it due to safety concerns with having freely swinging tie at a construction site.

- Reactor Operations and Aviation Operations are technically sub-divisions of Facility Ops, though given their specialized roles they act more independently, being more closely associated with Engineering & Manufacturing Division in practice. Reactor Operations, BMRF detachment of USNRC specialists, work at Lambda Reactor Complex operating and maintaining the nuclear reactor used to power large parts of the facility. Similar to engineers, they use ELM harness, making them the only sub-division of Facility Ops to do so. Likewise differing from other Facility Ops branches, Reaction Operation use coveralls similar to that of Project Columbus Survey Team instead of regular worker coveralls. Aviation Operations, simply referred to as "Aviation Ops" oversees the facilitys airport and its staff. Unlike Facility Ops, their hands-on workmen (technicians, sanitation workers, and maintenance workers) are all a part of their own, single sub-division; Aviation Ops Maintenance. Aviation Operations also work with federal agencies, mostly NASA, in topside aircraft development centers. Despite their more specialized status, only difference in terms of uniform between Aviation Ops maintenance and other Facility Ops are different ID badge titles. Aviation Operation pilots wear orange jumpsuits to easily differentiate them from military pilots.

- First Response Incident Command, typically referred to simply as "Incident Command", "the response team" or "the damage response team" and nicknamed "FR", is an umbrella term given to BMRF's first responders. They are in charge of Fire & Rescue, the Tactical Operations Unit, as well as general damage control in the event of a disaster. Some of the gear for these response teams varies between specialized equipment for their role and incident command branded gear. Incident Command branded vests are issued to members of FRTOU and Fire & Rescue in leadership roles.

- First Response Tactical Operations Unit, sometimes abbreviated to FRTOU and nicknamed FR guards are the SWAT units of Black Mesa, not high clearance security like their nickname might imply. FRTOU members are handpicked from ranks of BMSD. They have access to all the same weaponry and gear DOE Security Force have due to sharing armories with them. In-game, they appear weaker than HECU for gameplay purposes to show HECU being better organized than them. They are very easily identifiable from standard security thanks to their unique more tactical uniform, which includes dark green combat pants and jacket, knee-, elbow- and shoulderpads, PDA, HUD glasses, black helmet with visor and flak vest or alternatively UPV for when ever they need heavy duty vest. When outside of active First Response duty, FRTOU members use light green buttoned up shirt with black tie, similar to what BMSD have. FRTOU sometimes also makes use of orange variant of the high visibility security vests, however this is meant to be used by non-combatant engineers and for directing evacuees and should not to be confused with Transit Authority vests. Requirements for being promoted to FRTOU member are at least 5 years of experience as part of BMSD or prior military/law enforcement, preferably as SWAT, experience. Though someone who has proved themselfs during emergency situation might be offered such promotion anyway. Outside of active FR duty and drills, many FRTOU members will perform standard security tasks in or near security areas for quick and easy access to their gear. This is because its simply not cost effective to have all of the FRTOU members be on standby at all times. FRTOU also handles weapons training for other branches of BMSD as well as for off-site Project Columbus Survey Team. Some FRTOU members are also trained as EODs, however they are issued with dark green HEV suits instead of standard bomb disposal suits.

- Firemen and paramedics both fall under the same division, Black Mesa Fire & Rescue. This is because its simply more effective to have these two under same banner since they would be working largely together anyway. Color of their helmets are easy way to identify position of rescue worker, blue being regular firefighter, green for lieutenants, yellow for captains, white for chief and red for EMT. Alongside the usual BMRF division logo, the helmets used by firemen and paramedics also include DOE logo. While this leads to confusing regarding who their actual employer is among BMRF staff, this is actually for purpose of easy identification to differentiate firemen and paramedics belonging to Black Mesa First Response from civilian firemen and paramedics, as BMRF may, in certain rare scenarios, be asked to assist local civilian first responders and authorities. Fire & Rescue has small number of Blackhawks separate from the ones used by Aviations Operations.

- With the exception of paramedics, any medical personnel fall under Black Mesa Medical Department, not Black Mesa First Response.

- We consider the HECUR models (Hazardous Environment Combat Unit Remastered) to be the canonical design of HECU in BMCER lore. BMCER includes its own HECU models because HECUR existed before BMCER and we didnt think it was worth merging these two mods together after all this time.

- Whilst extremely unusual given typical standards for US troops, the HECU have the ability to handpick members from other branches if they’re deemed fit for service. The majority of of the HECU is comprised of strictly Marines naturally, but their ranks also consist of SEALs and Army Rangers who have been pulled from their respective branches and put through a second (albeit shorter) training course. Given what the HECU does, they’ve been given more leniency in their choice of equipment as well compared to the rest of the Marine Corps. Higher ranking officials have replaced standard issue equipment/vehicles with Army equivalents when deemed suitable for the job at hand. To quote the Commandant of the Marine Corps; “Just give ‘em what they need, make sure they get the job done - clean or dirty, I don’t care.”. Even the uniform of HECU and color of their vehicles are reminiscent of Army gear given their use of berets and shoulder patches as well as green paint job. This is entirely cosmetic, however, and is simply an example of the HECU’s larger say in how things are done compared to other branches.

- CBIRF, Chemical Biological Incident Reaction Force, often shortened to Incident Reaction Force or just IRF is designation given to HECU members who are trained as CBRN. Equipped with state of the art experimental equipment, their job is to respond to extreme biohazard and combat scenarios and when necessary cover them up. They are part of most emergency contigency plans formed in case of containment breach taking place in any government research facility, landing them them honor of being US governments dedicated cleanup crew. Outside of cleanup operations, IRF performs high priority search & rescue, counter terrorism and recovery operations.

- DOE (Department Of Energy) Security Force are the on-site military of BMRF and its first line of defence. Their job is to guard the outer perimeter fence and topside entrances of the facility as well as to keep up the story that Black Mesa is simply airforce base that includes military research facility with BMRF's private security force, BMSD, handling security in the underground areas. Given that DOE Security Force are part of USMC, they are not actually employed by BMRF. Most DOE Security Forces across the country are made up of US Army, but due to BMRF's closer than usual affiliation with US government and the highly sensitive research performed in the facility, those of BMRF are instead detachment of HECU. Given that the Black Mesa Air Base is technically a full-fledged military base, Military Police branch of DOE Security Force exists, identifiable by their bright blue brassards and occasional M1 helmets. These officers typically act as BMRF's MP as well, guarding perimeter checkpoints and doing vehicle checks when necessary. They initially helped FRTOU lead some of the evacuation efforts early into the Black Mesa Incident, but eventually were moved to a command role once the HECU were ordered to begin eliminating witnesses to the incident by IRF. DOE Security Force use vehicles with tan paint job and DOE insignia on the side. (Real life DOE force, Federal Protective Force, do not exist in BMCER universe. Here its general military assignment instead of federal job)

- Female members of HECU, both DOE and IRF, do exist, but are so incredibly rare (less than 1% of active HECU being women due to physically demanding nature of the job) that its not worth representing them in this mod.

- Both the Incident Reaction Force and DOE security HECU divisions have the same training, or at least similar combat experience, just their gear is different. HECU marines may be assigned or given option to choose which division they join at the latest by the end of their advanced training period, and most of the time HECU marines are rotated from DOE security to Incident Reaction Force and from Incident Reaction Force to DOE security every few years. This is for the purpose of familiarising both divisions with each others tasks as well as for having division members mingle with each other to achieve smoother cooperation between the two during emergencies.

- Aperture Science Military Androids, nicknamed "robogrunts" by Pentagon, were the first biped combat robots to be used in the field by US armed forces, being introduced in to active service by both the Army and USMC in 1994. They are able to wield any conventional firearms with high accuracy and effectiveness in addition to high mobility and endurance. Robogrunts, were initially created as high tech farm equipment to replace farmhands on plantations, however due to controversy surrounding Apertures earlier publically sold robot design, sentry turret aimed at guarding sleeping infants, they were forced to be redesigned for combat. Remnants of their original intended purpose still remain in their design in form of damaged robogrunts often "bleeding" red oil like biofuel that gets often mistaken for blood. While being capable of independent thought and problem solving, robogrunts are purposefully limited to being effectively just drones controlled by commanders or engineers of the unit(s) they are being used by due to safety concerns regarding implications of fully autonomous AI by Pentagon. Similar to the military grade sentry turrets also manufactured by Aperture, robogrunts are treated as experimental military equipment meant for bolsteting human combatants and not as full replacement for them. They are primarily used for scouting and for breaking enemy lines by rushing in the middle of the enemy combatants, often being sent first in to unknown areas to map them out before friendly forces move in. Despite them quickly gaining popularity within USMC especially, robogrunts are still very much experimental. While their armor is completely bulletproof from any conventional rounds below 50cal., their joints remain an easy target for snipers and explosions, with even single explosive being able to instantly and completely disable a robogrunt.

- Since DOE Security Force are not meant to see combat regularly, with them being intended to deter attacks rather than perform them, they arent as well equipped as their colleagues in IRF. Obviously the biggest differences are that DOE Security Force are not issued with robogrunts or PCV System like IRF, instead using LAPD tactical vests, and use AB-Pat camo instead of combination of M81 Urban and M81 Jungle, but their equipment varies in other ways as well. They get supplied with both M40 and M17 gasmasks (latter exlusive to HECUR), regular MOPP hood (HECUR exlusive), nomex gloves, hig vis vests (HECUR exclusive) and hardhats for industrial locations outside times of combat, helmet visors, as well as standalone geiger counters and arent required to have camo cover over their helmet at all times outside of perimeter fence duty (also HECUR exlusive). They are issued ID badges to be worn while on guard duty or otherwise inside the facility (post disaster, many DOE members opted to use combat knives instead for close quarter combat). However the most interesting piece of unique equipment DOE Security Force uses, are woodland camo ALICE rucksacks. Since DOE Security Force arent going to carry around rucksacks very often in regular duty, they were issued with rare woodland variant of it instead of regular green one (HECUR exclusive, Revised HECU gives both 01 and 02 HECU woodland rucksacks). DOE Security Force near security checkpoints are also often seen with simplistic, almost makeshift looking mag webbing, comprising of pair of straps, one on each side, attached to their combat belt and 8 MP5 magazine pouches hanging from them. This webbing system was introduced due to the magazines of standard issue SMG of DOE Security Force, MP5, not being compatible with their standard pouches. It was initially planned to be rolled out for more wide spread use among HECU due to their general preference to MP5, however this idea was rejected due to it quickly becoming notorious for making movement awkward and easily tangling up under the wearer's groin during active combat, causing discomfort, especially if used alongside PCV System Movement Assist. During early hours of the Black Mesa Incident, some DOE members were seen using plain white facemasks instead of gasmasks due to equipment shortages.

- Operation Urban Warrior was initiative by USMC to create armed forces of tomorrow, originally started in late 80s and being meant to end by 1999. It saw introduction of many at the time cutting edge military technologies, some of which were even integrated in to experimental, small scale use by some special force units, most notably HECU. V-22 Osprey troop transport plane introduced in 1992 and robogrunts introduced in 1994 were just some of such inventions. (for any military history nerds out there, BMCER depiction of Operation urban Warrior is meant to be very much different from its real life counterpart)

- PCV System used by HECU Incident Reaction Force was developed as joint project between BMRF and several other government laboratories for USMC as part of Operation Urban Warrior as next generation of combat gear. It included PCV itself, PCVAID, LW Headset, Load-Bearing Support System and MOPP hood, with most parts being optional allowing user to choose which parts of the System they use depending on personal preference or of the situation. PCV, otherwise known as Powered Combat Vest, is rechargable, forcefield based armored vest. It includes built-in communication and medical system, geiger counter and GPS. While PCV is much more expensive than standard military vests, its weight, size and manouverability are very much on par with them, and it surpasses them in terms of protection and utility. PCV comes with integrated webbing based on standard loadbearing systems used by US armed forces, this being for for compatibility with pre-existing gear and pouches. Arm mounted PCVAID, LW Headset, Movement Assist and MOPP hood are extensions of PCV, requiring the vest to be worn in order to use them. PCVAID (Powered Combat Vest Assisting Interface Device) is used to interface with the vest for purposes of monitoring both its own conditions and its users vitalsigns. It also functions as GPS display, link up device for the LW headset and earpiece as well as personal notepad. It however lack text based communication abilities due to presence of radio on board of PCV itself. On the other hand, LW (Land Warrior) headset is used to view battlefield from perspective of other LW users as well as robogrunts and even (hacked) security cameras. It can also be used to display any information visible on the PCVAID screen when needed. MKI Load-Bearing Support System, nicknamed Movement Assist, is a pair of exo-suit esque attachments for the wearer's legs that help the wearer carry heavier loads, as well as automatically splint their leg in case of a fracture. For extra utility, Movement Assist comes with single attachment points on both legs meant to hold a holster since regular drop-down holsters HECU have are not compatible with it. Despite its utility, its regarded as least favoured part of the PCV System by many HECU members due to user specific and time consuming calibration process as well as specialized training needed to actually use Movement Assist effectively in combat scenarios to compensate for the movement of veteran marines often being faster and more unpredictable than what the device can handle on factory settings. A proposal was made to combine the system with Long Fall Boots from Aperture Laboratories, but given that the support system was developed by BMRF, the long-standing rivalry between the two corporations halted any collaboration between the two projects. As final optional part comes the PCV MOPP Hood, that unlike typical MOPP hoods issued to armed forces, the one issued as part of PCV System actually only covers the head and neck, this is because this version of it is meant to be attached to the vest. Once attached to the vest and combined with M40 gasmask, both the vest and hood can be sealed allowing for increased level of protection from non-extreme levels of radiation and toxic contaminants without the need for dedicated MOPP suit.

- In-universe HECU would have an option to use weapons other than MP5, SPAS-12 and GAM-14B, namely M-40A1 Sniper Rifle, M249 SAW, Desert Eagle, Glock 17, Beretta M9, SIG-Sauer P220, M4 Carbine and M16A however these are not represented in-game (apart from Glock 17 which obviously is, its just not used by HECU) for obvious reasons. Combat knife is also part of standard issue HECU equipment, however this is in fact represented in-game as hanging from their gear, just never used due to limitations of the game. Both Incident Reaction Force and DOE Security Force (and by extension FRTOU) have access to same weaponry.

- Standard camos used by HECU are M81 Urban Camo AB-Pat for Incident Reaction Force and DOE Security Force respectively, both created for Operation Urban Warrior. AB-Pat, standing for Abstract Pattern, created during early 90s was very early attempt at experimental camo meant to confuse the enemy rather than just hide its wearer. During testing it quickly proved practically useless, but due to its distinct design it was regardless adapted by USMC for limited use for some non-offense security forces. Failure of AB-Pat and other experimental camos of its time lead to creation of M81 Urban during mid 90s,it being designed as more of a traditional camo but for urban environments. In addition to this IRF often makes use of helmet covers with dark green variant of standard M81 woodland camo called M81 Jungle. As its name suggests, it was originally created with jungle combat in mind, as modernized variant of camos used during Vietnam war. However due scarcity of combat scenarios set in jungles after Vietnam war this camo was mostly left unused, until sets of equipment using it were recovered from storage in mid 90s and adapted as part of HECU equipment, being intended to be used on jungle based assignments, however parts of it are often paired up with M81 Urban regardless. Alongside M81 Jungle, IRF also have access to DCU, desert six pattern, M81 Woodland and M81 Autumn likewise depending on their mission. USMC was also in process of rolling out brand new M81 Dust in to active service, this being meant to replace AB-Pat camo as standard uniform for DOE Security Force and as mission dependent variant for IRF, for missions taking place in urban areas located in or near deserts. This camo hadnt yet been issued by the time of the Black Mesa Incident however and as consequence never saw active use. (Once again for any military history nerds out there, AB-Pat, M81 Jungle, M81 Autumn and M81 Dust are fictional camos we came up for BMCER, they dont exist in real life AFAIK)

- Pre-disaster DOE Security Force corpsmen (medics) would commonly use medical scrubs instead of full combat gear like their post disaster versions do. This is not represented in the mod because there are no placement for DOE Security Force corpsmen pre-disaster and it would be too silly to implement scrub wearing HECU as hostiles post-disaster.

- When honorably discharged for any reason apart from fatality or being physically unable to serve further, any HECU member who has served as DOE Security Force member at any point in the past for at least a year, is offered chance to join Black Mesa Security Division. DOE Veterans, as they are often called, are given pair of special collar pin to recognize their year(s) of service that they are allowed to wear on duty. Most DOE Veterans work as high clearance security officers and are often candidates for early promotion to either FRTOU or Special Security Force.

- Unlike rest of USMC, HECU use berets to indicate rank similar to US army, however these are worn sideways with the flash over the wearer's right eye and the excess fabric hanging over the left ear to distinguish them from typical US army berets. Black berets are issued to corporals and red berets are issued to sergeants and up. Green berets are denoted to captains and majors. Colonels and lieutenant colonels receive a unique brown and tan berets respectively given their position. Commanding officers are also permitted to swap out their beret with an 8-point depending on personal preference.

- Operation Green Renegade is a last resort contigency plan in an event where BMRF is fully compromised following a Resonance Cascade or similar event. Green Renegade entails the immediate deployment of the HECU's Chemical Biological Incident Reaction Force, as well as various air units and armored units. The CBIRF and on-site DOE Security Force will, regardless of any previous objectives, begin sweeping the facility for all staff except select members of the administrative department and potential high-profile government officials that happen to be on-site. This is especially unfavorable amongst the DOE Security Force given their close work with BMRF and their general position as a search & rescue team. Given the extremely sensitive nature of this operation, it is known only to a few select members of the military and the administrator of BMRF. Some members of the Administrative Department are aware of such contigency plan, but have been assured it is a theoretical solution to equally theoretical scenario and not an actual operation that can potentially be carried out. (In the game's timeline, Operation Green Renegade would have been authorized some time late into Office Complex. Prior to its authorization the DOE Security Force had been evacuating staff. This will be better shown in map replacements, with the addition of abandoned evacuation sites and possible pre-disaster friendly interactions with the DOE Security Force.)

- Black Operations, Black Ops for short, are CIA Spec Ops unit who, unlike HECU, are not part of any emergency contingency plans for BMRF (In short this means they have zero presence in the facility prior to the disaster). Two types of Black Operatives were present during the Black Mesa Incident, field agents and assassins. Assassins are currently the only type of Black Operative that appears in BMCER due to there not being enough use/placements for field agent variant, however they already have a complete model ready for use in future updates.

- Black Operations were originally sent to BMRF about 17 hours after the initial Resonance Cascade as reinforcements for HECU to assist them in capturing or taking out various high priority targets. They continued to assist HECU long in to the incidents second day, acting as scouts. Following HECU receiving the orders to pull out from BMRF, Black Operatives were ordered to consider any HECU still left in the facility a witness and such a threat to national safety and as someone to be silenced, same as BMRF staff. Due to Black Operations being considerably fewer in numbers than HECU as well as due to their covert tactics and objectives being much more specific than those of HECU, most in the facility BMRF staff and HECU alike) never even knew they were present.

- Gear issued to Black Operatives for Black Mesa cover-up differs greatly between field agent and assassin. Assassin use special skin tight rubbersuit with cloaking device integration, allowing assassins to turn translucent, nearly invisible, to take out targets discreetly, as well as Long Fall Boots, both of these developed by Aperture Laboratories. Since they are able to turn invisible and because of technical limitations of the cloaking technology, assassins gear only includes light bulletproof vest for protection. Meanwhile field agents are dressed up in bit more conventional manner, with black flightsuit, tactical belt, kneepads as well as coverless PAGST helmet, occasional SAS gasmask and UPV with integrated Ranger Rig for protection and tactical ELM for vital sign monitoring. UPV is not standard CIA equipment for large scale cover-up operations, but the high presence of HEV chargers and batteries in BMRF made it much more ideal than regular protective gear for this specific operation.

- Urban patrol Vest, UPV for short, is light variation of the PCV used by HECU. Developed as joint project between BMRF and Omega HMS Power Inc after introduction of PCV System in to active use by HECU as an attempt at more affordable and cost effective powered vest aimed for security and law enforcement use. UPV provides less protection than PCV, in fact only a level of protection comparable to traditional body armor, however its considerably lighter and more compact build allow for better mobility for its user also also make it ideal for hiding under clothing if necessary. In addition to this, its ability to be recharged still makes up for the loss in level of protection since it doesnt have to be replaced that often even after multiple point blank shots as long as its power levels are kept high. While FRTOU are the most prominent users of UPVs, it has gained some popularity among CIA and other government entities due to its use in covert operation, as evidenced by its use during the Black Mesa Incident.

- Lore vise, Black Ops assassins would use crossbows for taking out targets silently, hence their quiver bodygroup, however unfortunately this is impossible to implement in-game due to lack of source code access, so unfortunately assassins will only use silenced Glocks. Field agents would likewise occasionally use silenced Glocks, but also silenced MP5s, SPAS-12 shotguns and M-40A1 Sniper Rifles.