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 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.

- 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 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 badges 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 timeline.

- Black Mesa Research Facility, BMRF for short, was originally founded by Black Mesa Corporation as private sector research facility to work with the highest bidder, that usually being US government and 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 called 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 the protection from any threats, 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 tech, nuclear power plant supplying power for nearby civilian locations, nuclear waste disposal facility and set of missile launch center.

- ID badges are required to be worn by all personnel at all times with the exception of HEV scientists/guards, firemen in full uniform as well as DOE security HECU. HEV suits are usually specifically adjusted to their 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. DOE security HECU are technically not employed by Black Mesa. They do have ID badges too, but they aren't required to be kept visible at all times.

- Black Mesa has its own small fleet of aircrafts, comprising of Black Hawks, Hueys and passenger/cargo transport planes. Black Mesa does not, however, have its own any fighter jets. The ones in their hangars belong to DOE security HECU

- 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 officers, SWAT in the form of First Response, fire department, hospital, psychiatrists, waste disposal, airfield, power plants, logistics networks ect.

- BMCER does not depict medical personnel of Black Mesa apart from paramedics for the simple reason that they have no reasonable placements in-game. They would have been added a long time ago if there were any such placements.

- A Cleansuit is simply a piece of gear, not a work uniform. Its used by both the science team and engineering division. Despite how it may, seem, gasmask isnt always required to be worn with the cleansuit. Its used only when the suit itself isnt enough to project 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 veteran staff. Cleansuit engineers are also supplied with equipment belt with geiger counter and tools. 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.

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

- 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.

- 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.

- Firemen and paramedics are part of the same division, Black Mesa Fire & Rescue. This is because while BMRF is large, its simply more effective to have these two under same banner.

- 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 corporation, US government more often than not turns blind eye on their shady practices due to their heavy involvement with the research being performed in facility.

- 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 him getting fired. 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.

- Security officers 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 their own as long as it uses ammo thats already stored by Black Mesa, it fits in standard issue holster and is deemed otherwise acceptable by their supervisors. 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.

- Black Mesa Security Division is much less lenient than Research and Development Division when it comes to uniform policy. All guards apart from special sub divisions, namely HEV security, First Response and personnel protection agents, are required to wear the same dark blue pants, ligh blue shirt, 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. Security guard PCVs exist too but these are reserved for First Response officers and bodyguards only due to them not being cost effective for general use.

- When it comes to headwear, security helmets with visors are primarily used in areas of the facility that deal with organic samples or that have increased likelyhood of situations requiring security to open fire. 8points are primarily used by guards stationed at security desks/checkpoints, unless security clearance of the area demands a helmet and Security caps are primarily used by guards in patrol duty, likewise unless security clearance of the area demands a helmet. Guards with smokey hats and berets are commanding officers, with beret guards outranking smokey hat guards.

- Flashlights carried by Black Mesa security force are supposed to be able to function as blunt melee weapon when necessary, hence nightstick/baton are not (anymore) part of the standard issue equipment for Black Mesa security (with the exception of First Response security who use tactical flashlights and as such require telescope batons for close quarter combat)

- In certain situations, security officers may wear HEV suit instead of standard uniform. Lambda Complex is the most notable example of this, with security officers working in Reactor Complex or Teleportation Laboratories being supplied standard orange HEV suits as their uniforms. This is partially for protection from radiation, but also to make sure they will be able to safely step thru portals if their duty demands is. Security officers in Xen will also wear standard HEV suits. Another good examples 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 an experiment to see if HEV suits would still be capable of providing enough protection to be worth it if they were made with cheaper materials, and to see if they would be viable/cost effective option for supplying for security officers in other parts of the facility as well and not just in 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.

- First Response Tactical Operations Unit, sometimes abbreviated to FRTOU or just First Response, are the SWAT units of Black Mesa, not high clearance security. They have access to all the same equipment DOE security HECU have except that they also use PCVs. Security guard variant of the PCV is prototype and as such more up to date version of what Incident Reaction Force HECU are using. In-game, they appear weaker than HECU for gameplay purposes to show them having less training than HECU. A variant of First Response officers in high vis vests and hardhats exist, but these are either non-combatant engineers or are supposed to direct evacuees. First Response Transit Authority however do not exist. 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.

-Personnel Security Service Protection Agents, commonly referred to as personnel protection agents or simply bodyguards, are special branch of the BMSD created exclusively for the safety of the administration of Black Mesa. While they are sometimes seen wearing protective gear, this only really happens DURING EMERGENCIES like the Resonance Cascade. In terms of weapons, bodyguards use MP5s and Glocks, with them preferring not to use magnums or shotguns due to them being harder to conceal when needed. Ideally they would sometimes use silencers with their Glocks but this isn't exactly doable in-game for obvious reasons. Bodyguards without suit jacket should be treated as being off-duty, despite their holster. Requirements for bodyguard are at least 10 years of experience as member of BMSD or prior federal agent/US Special Forces, preferably HECU, experience.

- It is generally suggested by Black Mesa administration that guards with helmets should tuck their pants sleeves in to boots, however this is not strictly enforced by the dress code of the facility.

- Transit Authority handle logistics and transportation related security matters, such as guarding the ports used for receiving and sending shipments and performing inspections to said shipments.

- All Black Mesa security personnel security personnel are required to complete at least basic first-aid course. Dedicated security medics do not exist in BMRF, however First Response officers are, among other things, trained field medics.

- 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 old and their colleagues Eli and Keller have them.

- Green-ish light blue shirt, khakis and white lab coat are standard uniform for all on-site Black Mesa science team personnel regardless of their assignment. Small changes to the uniform are done depending on their exact position (such as with senior scientists) and the kind of research being performed (for example, HEV personnel would only be required to wear khakis and undershirts under their suits). This also applies to scientists working in Biodome Complex dissecting the aliens, they would still wear this same standard uniform under their cleansuit. Only real exception are the Xen surveyteam members who use dark blue lightweight and unarmored hazmat suit manufactured specifically for Black Mesa with removable head piece and metal plated boots as their uniform.

- BMRF offers variety of tie options for their science team, but they are also allowed to use personal ones as long as their design is deemed acceptable by their supervisors. This is not portrayed in-game apart from unique ties worn by Eli and Kleiner due to limitations of the game.

- Office workers with security vest and helmet are not security guards of any sort, unlike what some people seem to think.

- 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.

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

- Engineers work together with the science team to build and maintain more specialized equipment, such as payload delivery rockets, Anti Mass Spectrometer and nuclear waste treatment/storing machinery. They are also drivers of the yellow walker robots.

- Construction workers are still employed by Black Mesa despite of their more casual appearance

- ELM, External Lifeline Monitor, the panel on engineers back, is used to monitor their vital signs. This information can be viewed by physically looking at the devices screen or remotely via linked computer terminal. Why the device is hanging from the back where its user cant see it themselves is anyone's guess. This device is effectively more affordable (though also less compact) version of vital sign monitoring systems on board of HEV suits. 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. Standard issue cleansuits used by Black Mesa science team and engineering division includes similar device built in to it.

- We consider the HECUR models (Hazardous Environment Combat Unit Remastered) to be the canonical designs of HECU in BMCER lore. BMCER includes its own HECU models because HECUR existed before BMCER and we wanted to let people have at least some options.

- Female members of HECU 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.

- HECU are split in to two groups, 02 HECU models acting as DOE (Department Of Energy) security force for Black Mesa before the incident and 01 models acting as CBURN Incident Reaction Force . 02 HECU should be treated as the on-site military mentioned during the radio broadcast in the Office Complex. Their job is to guard the topside areas, outer perimeter fence and topside entrances of Black Mesa. The facility's private security force handles security in the underground areas. They do not have access robogrunts, PCV, PCVAID or land warrior system unlike their Incident Reaction Force counterparts. On the other hand, before the incident, Incident Reaction Force HECU performed mostly high priority search and rescue operations, hence their need for sleeve badges for the sake of easier identification by those being rescued.

- 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 two two during emergencies.

- Robogrunts are creations of Aperture Science, but property of USMC. They are intended to be the military androids mentioned in Portal 1. They are only partially automated. Primarily they are drones controlled by HECU commanders or engineers. They should be treated as experimental military equipment, just like sentry turrets, and not as actual soldiers. However due to them being experimental, while their armor is completely bulletproof, their joints remain an easy target. Even single explosive can be used to disable a robogrunt unit.

- Arm mounted PCVAID and LW headset used by HECU Incident Reaction Force are extensions of PCV. 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, link up device for the land warrior headset and earpiece as well as personal notepad. However it does not include messaging feature like PDAs usually do in fiction. 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.

- In-universe HECU would have an option to use weapons other than MP5, SPAS-12 and RPG, namely M-40A1 Sniper Rifle, M249 LMG, Desert Eagle and M4 Carbine however these are not represented in-game 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 cleanup crew and DOE security would have access to same weaponry.

- Vanilla HECU vehicles are in fact non-canon to BMCER. Incident Reaction Force HECU would use HL1 style green vehicles with white stars on their side, and DOE HECU would use tan vehicles with DOE logo on their side. Neither of these designs are currently represented in the mod since replacing vehicle models/textures is not the goal of it, but both are planned for map replacements.

- The dark green M81 camo variant used by Incident Reaction Force HECU boonie and 8point cap (as well as cleanup crew helmets and bandana in HECUR) is variant of woodland camo called M81 jungle.

- Pre-disaster DOE HECU 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 HECU medics pre-disaster and it would be too silly to implement scrub wearing HECU as hostile.

- When honorably discharged for any reason apart from fatality or being unable to server further, any HECU 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 years of service that they are allowed to wear on on-duty. Most DOE Veterans work as high clearance security officers and are often candidates for early promotion to either FRTOU or bodyguard.

- Black Operations, Black Ops for short, are CIA special 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). There are two types of Black Operatives, gunners and assassins. Assassins are currently the only type of Black Operative that appears in BMCER due to there not being enough use/placements for gunner variant, however we do know how their design would look.

- Black Operatives wear Urban patrol Vest, UPV for short, which is lighter variant of the PCV system worn by HECU and First Response branch of Black Mesa Security Division. Unlike PCV that was developed by Black Mesa in close cooperation with USMC, UPV was created by Omega HMS power inc as an attempt at more affordable and cost effective powered vest. UPV provides considerably less protection than PCV, however its lighter build allows for much better maneuverability for its user and ability to hide it under clothing like some regular protective vests making it ideal for covert operations.

- 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.