I previously published much of this content in this section in the Scenario Paintball Handbook and a series of articles for PBUK magazine over a number of years. Whilst most of the content is as applicable to airsoft as it is to scenario paintball I've made a few tweaks when required. The content itself is based on my experience of what works and what doesn't and it is not my intention to create a manual of military doctrine but simply to provide some insight into how you can get as much out of the game as possible whilst developing your skills. Whether I have achieved this or not you can decide for yourself.
Picking your fights
The scale and complexity of some games can be truly daunting and it is often difficult to imagine how a single player can even hope to influence events. There is obviously a limit to what you can accomplish as an individual and to operate for any length of time in a complex game you need to remember that you are part of a much larger team. Furthermore if you want to make any impact on the final outcome you must also understand that eliminating an opponent is not always the best tactical option.
When attempting to operate tactically it is fundamentally important to know when to fight and when not to. Unless you are simply trying to buy time there’s absolutely no strategic value in getting involved in an action that you either can’t win or don’t need to win. Long drawn out engagements will only deplete your supplies and give away your position to anyone in the general vicinity. Keep all your plans as simple and straightforward as possible. The more complicated the plan you develop the more things that can and probably will go wrong. Whether attacking, defending, patrolling or evading you should always operate tactically; continually re-evaluate your position, seeking to gain an advantage at every opportunity whilst weighing any potential gains against possible losses. In this way you may be able to seize the initiative and achieve results that are completely out of proportion to your numbers. This will only be possible however once you begin to think strategically and understand that, in the scenario game, you’re not attempting to eliminate the opposition; ultimately you’re trying to defeat them.
The Ambush
An ambush is simply a raid on a moving target and whatever the objective or size of the opposing force; the basic principles remain the same. Set the ambush in a site you can move into and out of unobserved and which provides the most favourable conditions for success. The most convenient routes of travel are often the most vulnerable to ambush such as clearings or paths. Equally suitable locations for an ambush are those, which force players to slow down or bunch up such as marshy ground, bridges, fords, steep slopes or gullies and in situations such as these it is entirely possible for a small experienced squad using the element of surprise to defeat a much larger group decisively in a very short space of time.
When planning the ambush remember that it can often be extremely hard to predict the opposition’s movements so you may have to be in position for some time before a target presents itself. Obviously this can increase the chances of being spotted yourself so good field craft is essential if you are to avoid detection for any length of time. Once a target appears wait for the optimum moment to strike. If you open fire at the first player that appears then you will almost certainly eliminate them but you will also alert anyone else in the vicinity and strategically will have achieved absolutely nothing.
Generally an absence of noise or movement in an area for a prolonged period of time will suggest to an opponent that the area is unoccupied and therefore safe to enter. This assumption will be reinforced if they move into that area and are not immediately attacked. By holding your fire for as long as possible you may be able to draw more players into the ambush zone but more importantly when you do open fire your opponents will be completely unprepared and you should be able to inflict considerable damage. When you finally initiate the action it should be quick, aggressive and decisive. Once you have achieved your objective withdraw rapidly and deceptively and be prepared to set up a second quick ambush if there is a chance you might be pursued.
If you employ these basic principles you should, with practice, be able to quickly identify and target any weak spots and secure the objective. At the end of the day a well-organised attack will always overwhelm a poorly prepared defence.
Suppressing Fire
Suppressing fire is an integral part of play and poses a constant threat in any game forcing you to stop what you are doing and seek cover before you can attempt to counter attack. Once you lose the ability to move you have lost the initiative and become totally ineffective so avoid suppressing fire whenever you encounter it, as you’ll only succeed in getting pinned down and eliminated. You will be particularly vulnerable to suppressing fire when crossing open ground but sprinting across without fire support or the cover of smoke is always a bad idea.
If you do find yourself pinned and on the defensive your immediate priority is to regain the initiative as quickly as possible. This can be achieved by rapidly getting some fire down on the opponent and you can do this in 2 ways. Firstly you can use the players around you but be careful to keep any fire instructions very simple. Attract the attention of the player you want to provide cover then identify the target and the type of fire support you want; heavy, sustained or accurate. Once the fire stops get your head up and either add your own fire to that of your team mate or withdraw to a more favourable position. Alternatively if you are pinned down and on your own then you should still be able to snap shoot. If you decide to break off contact you should lay down a blanket of fire, smoke or both to discourage pursuit.
If you do find yourself pinned and on the defensive your immediate priority is to regain the initiative as quickly as possible. This can be achieved by rapidly getting some fire down on the opponent and you can do this in 2 ways. Firstly you can use the players around you but be careful to keep any fire instructions very simple. Attract the attention of the player you want to provide cover then identify the target and the type of fire support you want; heavy, sustained or accurate. Once the fire stops get your head up and either add your own fire to that of your team mate or withdraw to a more favourable position. Alternatively if you are pinned down and on your own then you should still be able to snap shoot. If you decide to break off contact you should lay down a blanket of fire, smoke or both to discourage pursuit.
Mobility
Good manoeuvring ability and effective firepower should go hand in hand. In confined spaces such as structures and trenches players may be forced to bunch up and under these conditions there is as much danger of being eliminated by fire from your own team as by the opposition. In these cases players should think in terms of lanes and should avoid crossing into another player’s lane keeping instead to one side. Where possible only the front players should fire and it may be better to identify a single player at a time to lay down fire. The other players can still be of value spotting for targets, keeping everyone re supplied and watching the team’s back and flanks.
Whatever the situation divide the threat area into clearly identifiable arcs keeping your field of fire manageable. If you cannot cover the arc comfortably without changing your position then get another player alongside you and sub divide the sector until you can. When reloading ensure your arc is covered as although you should be capable of reloading and firing simultaneously it is better practice to concentrate on one thing at a time. Split your team into small units of 2 to 4 players, which will provide greater mobility and flexibility than larger squads and can link up with other fire teams if a stronger force is required. One team can then provide security while another attacks a position or patrol while the other holds a defensive position. There are numerous combinations. As you begin to lose players in an action you will need to replace them quickly so as not to lose impetus.
Fire Support
If any of your team engages an opponent you should do what you can to support them. Even at extreme range you can still put fire onto the target. Although you are unlikely to hit them it may encourage them to withdraw, allowing your teammate to move up. Fire support doesn’t have to be heavy, as long as it’s accurate. Which is better? 15 bbs hitting the side of a building you want to take or 5bbs going through the window? You can put down a base of continuous fire on a position and provided they stay low and alert a player should actually be able to advance along this line in relative safety. You cannot expect to keep up a sustained rate of fire for an indefinite period so don’t try to play the entire game in this way. Remember that when you run out of bbs you’re little use to anyone so pick your shots wisely. If you absolutely have to lay down heavy fire then you can always double up with a teammate but don’t bunch up; spread your fire to maximise the impact. Two players in a stack firing from the same position are only marginally more effective than one and can be pinned down by a single player very easily. However the same two players further apart with interlocking arcs can dominate a much wider area and one opponent will be unable to cover both comfortably.
As with an ambush look to concentrate your firepower on key positions such as doorways, bridges and pathways where you can expect targets to present themselves. But rather than taking the first shot you see try holding your fire to see whether a cleaner shot becomes available. In this way you can increase your hit rate dramatically.
Night Games
From a command and control perspective night games can be a nightmare. Judging distance is virtually impossible and target identification and selection is very difficult. Many of the players eliminated tend to be the result of friendly fire, complex signals simply don’t work and often the flow of play is chaotic and confusing. Once the game starts you will initially have no idea where your opponents are or how high a threat they represent. Your first priority therefore is security. It takes 20 minutes or more for your eyes to adjust to the dark so protect your night vision and avoid looking directly at white light sources. Remember that at night your peripheral vision works best so use this to your advantage.
Tactical flashlights can prove useful to briefly highlight a potential target but they can be a double-edged sword, as they tend to attract unwanted attention. You should only illuminate an area for the briefest moment to confirm a target or to check if an area is clear and even then you will have drawn attention to yourself. Whereas in daylight you should always be looking for hard cover at night you should be seeking out the darkest shadows. You can lie in the open in relatively safety as long as you are concealed by shadow and stay still. Use light and darkness to your advantage. Plan your route to avoid being silhouetted by any light sources. Move from one patch of shadow to another and ensure that your next position is unoccupied before you move. At night most players feel vulnerable and exposed and the temptation is to run everywhere. This is the worst course of action, as excessive noise will only attract fire from friend and foe alike. Concentrate on keeping noise to a minimum and listen for signs of activity. If the group becomes separated for any reason they should regroup at the last pre determined rally point, which should be a prominent feature, which is easy to locate in the dark. Break down your journey to your objective into short bounds, which make best use of the available cover. Move slowly and stay low. Have a rear guard whose sole task is to protect the group’s back and make sure they are aware that any player who follows may be one of your own team trying to re group. If you are fortunate enough to find yourself behind your opponents’ lines then, depending on the circumstances, the best chance of success may lie with abandoning all efforts at stealth in favour of a more overt approach. Often an open and confident manner can allow you to move freely among your opponents without fear.
Think beyond the space you happen to be occupying or the fight you are caught up in and focus on the wider game as whole. If you find yourself caught up in a fruitless attack then break off contact and try something else and with the best will in the world sometimes you will make a mistake just don’t compound it by making others. Luck undoubtedly has a part to play but fortune favours the brave and if you take the initiative then opportunities invariably present themselves. Continually re assess your position and revaluate your tactics remembering that the overall objective is more important than any short term gain or individual player on the field. You will need to think on your feet and adapt rapidly to changes in events. Generally the victor on the day has simply used the available resources most effectively.
Time Frame
Whether play is continuous or split into a series of shorter games the time factor will always be important so every player should carry a watch. Often the actual game play will be fairly straightforward and may centre around locating key items or completing tasks, which will require you to be at a specific location at a specific time. The window of opportunity may be small and you need to consider the time required to get your players into a position, which allows them to attempt the objective. There will always be unexpected delays as players become caught up in unexpected engagements or as they try to negotiate the terrain and if the opposing team is aware of your objectives then you can expect to be harassed at every stage. When planning your strategy err on the side of caution and dispatch players early to give them extra time should they need it. Check the time continuously and adapt your tactics to make the most effective use of the time available to you. Think in real time and incorporate any new information your receive into your overall plan.
To survive in a challenging game environment you need to be able to think tactically but to win it is vital that you are also able to think strategically. You and your team will have very limited resources at your disposal so you must consider carefully about how best to allocate them. Attempting multiple objectives simultaneously will force you to divide your numbers and although you will be able to cover more ground you will also weaken each group and reduce the likelihood of a successful outcome. It is very easy to get distracted and to get bogged down in fruitless engagements so stay focused on the task in hand and try to stay “on mission”.
Assaulting static targets
With enough resources virtually any position can be taken however there will be a tangible cost in terms of players eliminated, ammo expended and time elapsed. In an ideal world you should completely avoid attacking hard targets such as heavy defences, vastly superior numbers or positions in difficult or open ground. Sometimes though the nature of your overall objective makes this unavoidable and in these cases it is commonly accepted that a numerical advantage of at least 3:1 is needed to carry off a successful attack. Where this is not possible however the element of surprise and good manoeuvring ability can still allow you to defeat a strong defensive position. With this in mind you will need to make your approach as inconspicuous as possible using covered routes such as ditches, heavy vegetation or dead ground or anything else which may obscure the opponents’ view. When approaching the target there is always the risk that you may be spotted before you get into position so you should be prepared for this eventuality and ready to fight at a moments notice. Frontal attacks are inherently risky so once you are in position and stealth is no longer required initiate a series of quick probing attacks to identify and target weak points at the flanks or the rear of the position as these areas are likely to be more exposed and less well defended. These attacks should be used to ascertain if the position is occupied, how many opponents there are and how determined they are. If you identify any blinds spots pin down any defenders you can see and move in closer on the position ready to engage any opponents who may present themselves. Targeting several areas simultaneously will significantly increase your overall chances of success and although multiple attacks can be difficult to co-ordinate employing smoke may also help where appropriate. Don’t be discouraged if the attacks are initially unsuccessful as they are only designed to test the water and spread the defenders as thinly as possible. When you succeed in gaining a foothold in the position commit more players to the attack but make sure you hold some in reserve in case you are attacked yourself. Once you have taken the objective clear and secure the area properly and establish a stable defensive perimeter, as at this time you will be particularly vulnerable to counter attack. Once you decide to move on pull out quickly using the terrain to cover your movements as much as possible.
Defence
Organising an effective defence can be difficult particularly if you are under fire but if you have chosen your ground well and know the fundamental principles then you should be able to stand your ground even in the face of seemingly overwhelming odds. Which form of defensive tactic you employ depends on the circumstances you find yourself in.
All Round Defence
The all round defence should be employed when there is a real possibility that you could be attacked from more than one direction. If at any point you feel the risk of this is high then you should always choose your own ground. If possible try to occupy an elevated position that will allow you to fire down on your opponents thus forcing them to attack uphill. Any defensive position should ideally offer good natural cover from sight and fire whilst allowing you to meet an attack from any direction and providing a number of potential escape routes. Never occupy a defensive position, which is unsuitable and therefore indefensible. Instead withdraw until a more suitable site presents itself. When organising a defence quickly establish an all round perimeter which is small enough for your squad to comfortably hold and identify the main threat areas in which you can expect to have to concentrate your fire.
Defence in Depth
Look to organise a defence in depth where the terrain is favourable. What you are aiming to do is force your opponents to fight hard to win each new section of ground whilst you fall back to form new defensive lines. If executed properly the defending team will minimise their losses whilst the attacking force becomes progressively weaker as they penetrate deeper into the position. The defence in depth is particularly effective in environments, which force the attacking team to use clearly identifiable routes such as trench networks or urban settings. When organising a defence in depth arrange your players so as to make maximum use of their firepower. Once the opposing force is sited and in range put down heavy fire from cover. Keep the forward players supplied with ammo and cycle players back into the firing line as required. Hold until you feel you have lost the initiative and pull back before your position becomes untenable. It’s better to withdraw and harass the opposition from a new defensive position rather than to take heavy losses. Similarly don't reinforce an unstable defensive line, which is clearly doomed. Simply drop back and establish a new perimeter in good cover and ensure all the arcs, both flanks and the rear approaches are covered. Lay down covering fire to support any of your own team in forward positions and encourage them to fall back and reinforce your new line. When withdrawing through your own team lines don’t forget to declare yourself as under these circumstances friendly fire can eliminate you very easily. If the opposition is weakened or disorganised after an attack on your position you should consider mounting a counter-attack. If this opportunity presents itself the counter-attack should be overwhelming in order to discourage future attacks. Where there is a lull in the action carry out a quick check of everyone’s supplies and redistribute these if required. Players who are running low can also act as spotters to conserve their resources.
Tactical movement
Whatever the scenario or objective you should move around the field logically with an awareness of what terrain is favourable and what is unfavourable never staying in one location longer than you absolutely need to. It is good practice to assume you are under constant observation and to identify and avoid obvious ambush points. Always travel along the safest routes available to limit your exposure. At times you will find you are forced to make compromises between cover and ease of movement and you must continually estimate the level of risk to decide on the most suitable course of action. Often it’s a simple trade off between speed and stealth. For example, you can travel along pathways very quickly but the risk of ambush is high. Conversely dense vegetation offers very effective cover but it will restrict your movements, generate excessive noise and reduce your field of vision. Open spaces will leave you very exposed so if you absolutely have to cross them then do it quickly using smoke if you need to.
Operate in pairs, covering each other, hiding your movements any way you can and maintaining constant 360 degrees observation. Before you move select your next position whilst you are still in cover and if at any point you feel the risk of ambush is high then go to ground and be ready to respond to incoming fire from any direction only moving on when you are sure it is safe to do so or pull back and try to find an alternate route if you feel the threat level is too high. Never assume an area is clear when you move into it; be alert and ready to fight. Stay in contact with the team members on either side of you but not too close and watch and listen for any signals from them or signs of activity. Protect your own team’s flanks and look to outflank your opponents whenever possible. Stay mobile, looking for opportunities to exploit and be ready to respond quickly to sudden changes in the game.
Evasion
Before any action identify a defensive position where you can head for if you are forced to withdraw quickly. If working in pairs or squads this can be used as a rally point to re group should you become separated. Under normal conditions when a small group meets a much larger group they can reasonably expect to be quickly overwhelmed and defeated. If you are outnumbered and feel conditions for an action are unfavourable or if you are compromised and exposed you should immediately break off contact and withdraw. There is no advantage in pushing a bad position. The withdrawal should be carried out in good order with some of the team providing covering fire while the rest fall back, before themselves providing cover until the whole team is out of contact. The technique is well known but requires some skill and control to execute properly.
After any such action it is not unusual for players to find themselves cut off and isolated from the rest of the team and if this happens you should immediately go to ground in the deepest cover you can find to give yourself time to decide on the best course of action. At this time avoid all contacts even with individual opponents as there may well be others close by. Listen for firing. You can be fairly certain that at least some of your team will be in that direction but approach any skirmish with extreme caution as you may come upon the opposing team first. If all else fails make your way back to the site of the last contact and retrace your steps attaching yourself to the first group of friendly players you encounter remembering to declare yourself before you approach them.
If you find yourself stalking an opponent move when they move, as this will cover any sound you make as you close the distance. Withdrawal and evasion are basic elements of game play. Fighting to the last man is all very well and indeed there is a time and place for it but it rarely wins games. Learn how to fight using your head and keep yourself in the game. Your tactical options are fairly limited when you’ve been eliminated.
Whether moving as part of a unit or as an individual the fundamental principles remain the same. All movement should be carried out in a tactical fashion in order to increase your chances of spotting your opponent before they spot you whilst allowing you to get into the most advantageous positions to complete your objectives. By operating in this way you are being pro-active; gathering information and acting upon it rather than simply waiting for a situation to develop and trying to respond to it. Everything you do, however seemingly insignificant, has a knock on effect for the game as a whole.
Using Radios
Radios are commonplace in airsoft and are generally used to coordinate larger attacks, call for assistance or to relay information between team members. There are countless models on the market offering decent range and numerous sub channels at a reasonable price. There is no doubt radios can improve your game but only if you get the basics right. Whether the radios use disposable or rechargeable batteries make sure that they are charged and that you have spare batteries to hand if possible. Before you enter the field carry out a quick radio check to ensure that everyone has their radios switched on, the volume level is appropriate, the radios are charged and that the channel is not being used by other players which, at a big game, is a real possibility. Think about what you want to say before you speak and keep the chatter short and simple. Long-winded explanations only serve to lock out the channel and prevent others from speaking. After using the radio if you don’t get a quick response then assume you’re message hasn’t been received. Wait a minute and try again. Remember you are using an open channel and will have no idea who else is listening so avoid giving away any sensitive information such as locations and timings of objectives. Where radios really come into their own is when they are used to co ordinate large-scale tactics or as a means of locating the other players in your team once you have become separated. Radios can be a very powerful tool in airsoft but as they have the capacity to fail at any time you should never become reliant on them.
Moving Targets
Trying to hit a moving target is far from easy at the best of times so you should lead the target. Identify a point in front of the opponent along their line of travel and begin firing continuously. Either the opponent will see the danger and stop, thus making themselves an easier target or they will simply run straight into your fire. If they are heading for an obvious feature like a bunker or a barricade then you have a definite point on which to concentrate your fire. When aiming at a moving target stand front on, as this will allow you to continue to fire without twisting your entire body and throwing you off balance. Shooting on the move is a fairly advanced skill. And initially as you practise your fire will be fairly inaccurate but in time you should be able to put a burst in the general area of the target whilst moving in any direction, which can be quite useful if you are ambushed and caught off guard.
Snap Shooting
Avoid blind firing. This occurs when a player sticks their gun over or around an obstacle and proceeds to lay down fire without actually being able to see what they are shooting at. This has virtually no practical application as the individual will have no idea where the target is or if they have hit it and an opponent blind firing will still present a target as both their hand and gun will be visible. Snap shooting is a far more effective
technique in this instance. The first thing you have to do is find the shooter. If possible look through the cover rather than over it to locate the opponent without exposing yourself. Pop out and put an aimed burst on the target. If they go to ground then keep their head down while you pull out. If they return fire then get back behind cover. Vary the point from which you fire and the length of time between each snap shot. If you don’t have a clear shot then hold your fire and either go to ground and wait for the opponent to break cover or move to a new location, which may provide a better angle. Shortening the range will also obviously increase your chance of achieving a hit so always look to close the distance if you feel it is safe to do so. If you other players with you work together to locate the opponent and triangulate your fire onto the position and neutralise the threat.
Sniping
Airsoft sniper rifles provide the player with the ability to engage an opponent over greater distances making them extremely vulnerable however whilst long range single shot eliminations are entirely feasible they are the exception rather than the norm. You can and indeed should snipe at opponents when the situation calls for it but sniping should be viewed as just one technique at your disposal. Attempting to adopt it as your normal style of play is a recipe for disaster.
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