Throughout the first chapter, you'll learn how to acquire new wargear aside from finding it from enemy drops. As you get extra pieces of wargear that are too weak to use, you can combine them in the Forge to create stronger wargear. Check your total wargear rating - it's the number next to the circle icon. This is a general summary of your overall strength. Whenever you have extra gear, see if you can improve any part of your loadout.