What is Airsoft?
The sport of airsoft is a combat simulating sport in which players use replica guns to shoot BB's at
another player. There are many different ways to play airsoft. Communities often make up game modes
to play such as team death match, capture the flag, and others. It is often compared to paintball,
but they differ greatly. Airsoft pellets (BB's) are small and do not mark the target upon impact.
It relies on players calling out when they have been shot. The airsoft guns are based on real world
gun designs. Depending on how much one spends, the guns can be very realistic.
Game play
Game play often varies by airsoft community. Within the community that WESTCOM participates in there are a variety of game modes. The most common played modes are team death match, capture the flag, Vietnam (defenders), and small scale MilSim operations. Team death match is as it sounds. The players are split into two teams, which are often made by team captain selections. The two teams start at their bases that also serves as their revive point. Often each player has only one revive. Players can’t revive if the opposing team is in shooting distance of the base. The game ends when one team kills all of the opposing team. Capture the flag is also an obvious game mode. It is set up as team death match is except the goal is to take and hold the designated flag. There is usually a time limit. Vietnam is basically attackers and defenders. There is a sectioned off part of the field that the defenders must defend for a certain length of time. The defenders have one life, no revives. The attackers however have unlimited revives, and can move around the field. The defenders win if they survive until the time runs out. Attackers win if they kill all of the defenders. Small scale MilSim operations are based on military operations such as extracting a VIP, taking certain objectives, and more.
Gear
The basic equipment that all beginners need is:
Game play
Game play often varies by airsoft community. Within the community that WESTCOM participates in there are a variety of game modes. The most common played modes are team death match, capture the flag, Vietnam (defenders), and small scale MilSim operations. Team death match is as it sounds. The players are split into two teams, which are often made by team captain selections. The two teams start at their bases that also serves as their revive point. Often each player has only one revive. Players can’t revive if the opposing team is in shooting distance of the base. The game ends when one team kills all of the opposing team. Capture the flag is also an obvious game mode. It is set up as team death match is except the goal is to take and hold the designated flag. There is usually a time limit. Vietnam is basically attackers and defenders. There is a sectioned off part of the field that the defenders must defend for a certain length of time. The defenders have one life, no revives. The attackers however have unlimited revives, and can move around the field. The defenders win if they survive until the time runs out. Attackers win if they kill all of the defenders. Small scale MilSim operations are based on military operations such as extracting a VIP, taking certain objectives, and more.
Gear
The basic equipment that all beginners need is:
- An airsoft gun (either gas or battery powered)
- Eye Protection (full seal recommended)
- Suitable apparel
- Protective, supportive shoes
- A chest rig, vest, plate carrier with room for your extra magazines
- Camouflage recommended (not hunting camo)
- Gloves recommend
- BB’s at a suitable weight (.20 gram recommended)
- Extra batteries (also a smart charger is recommended)
What is MilSim?
MilSim (military simulation) is different from airsoft. It is not limited to airsoft weaponry; however,
it has become synonymous with airsoft because the gear is the most realistic to military specifications.
In fact, most airsoft guns are licensed by the manufacturers of the actual weaponry because they
are so accurate to real specifications.
MilSim is what it’s named. The game play is based on the principles of military operations. Some examples are snatch and grab missions, multipoint objectives, fireteam missions, or open combat. The operations are faction and squad based. They often have on going stories year to year like Rhodesian Revolt. Most Ops are also point based. Points are given to factions based on objectives, completion of “acheviements” (ex. holding an objective for x amount of time), capturing information, etc.
MilSim has become a therapeutic experience for military and peace officer veterans, especially those suffering from PTSD. Blacksheep MilSim’s team is purely made up of veterans for this reason to help those who have protected us. On WESTCOM’s own team we have two military veterans. It is a safe way for them to experience what most of them miss the most, comradery.
MilSim is what it’s named. The game play is based on the principles of military operations. Some examples are snatch and grab missions, multipoint objectives, fireteam missions, or open combat. The operations are faction and squad based. They often have on going stories year to year like Rhodesian Revolt. Most Ops are also point based. Points are given to factions based on objectives, completion of “acheviements” (ex. holding an objective for x amount of time), capturing information, etc.
MilSim has become a therapeutic experience for military and peace officer veterans, especially those suffering from PTSD. Blacksheep MilSim’s team is purely made up of veterans for this reason to help those who have protected us. On WESTCOM’s own team we have two military veterans. It is a safe way for them to experience what most of them miss the most, comradery.