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AAR Rebel Training Camp: Northern Resistance

training camp northWith the second incarnation of the Airsoft GI’s Rebel Training camp occurring at Gamepod Combat Zone in Antioch, Ca there were a myriad of fun things that we could offer new players and Veterans alike.

gamepod1©2014 Terrence Taylor

Gamepod Combat Zone is the largest indoor training facility in North America and as such they have a wide array of game styles available at their doorstep. Not only that, but the field staff are as professional as they come and are always looking for new and different ways to keep us players on our toes. One of the ways they have accomplished this for Airsoft GI’s Rebel training camp is through the advent and use of destroyable buildings. Gamepod staff rigged four different building with air cannons filled with pancake mix that were connected to audio cable jacks within each building that could then be connected to a detonator and set off. This alone made the day that much more enjoyable and cinematic as our marketing manager Daniel found out first hand when his detonator malfunction and was told by game staff that “it’s real world, so make it count.” Make it count he did, but that story will have to be saved for another day and a different blog post.

gamepod9©2014 Terrence Taylor

Another key component to the days’ events was the training staff. Through connections with Gamepod personnel, we at Airsoft GI were able to connect with SGT Brad XXXX and SSGT Eric XXXX (names withheld for security purposes). These were two first rate individuals and their training was second to none. These gentlemen were both deployed overseas in defense of our country and their desire to pass on their knowledge to the next generation was commendable. In fact, one of the most enjoyable moments for me personally was seeing many of the kids at the event, some of whom were first time players, using the training they had just received on the airsoft battlefield. Seeing young Rebels, who normally would have run screaming at the enemy, instead pie a corner was truly enthralling and very gratifying.

gamepod4©2014 Terrence Taylor

Another exciting element to this training camp was also the fact that vehicles were readily available throughout the day. Many players normally don’t have the opportunity to engage with or against armored components on the airsoft battlefield and introducing this scenario to players was an important part of making this event a success. Now, this comes with a caveat because introducing novice players to a battlefield full of vehicles is always rife with danger. However, because of the number and quality of Gamepod trained referee staff, any danger or confusion was mitigated to the point where players could concentrate on their game play and the enemy engaging them.

gamepod3©2014 Terrence Taylor

Gamepod Combat zone is one of the finest indoor facilities in the United States of America and I feel privileged to have been able to play there. More AAR’s of Bob “The Axe Man’s” Rebel Training Camp: Northern Resistance are soon to follow and will go over each game evolution in it’s entirety as well as the tactical movement made by each side.

gamepod7©2014 Terrence Taylor

Make sure to stay tuned to Airsoft GI’s Blog because you won’t want to miss out!

gamepod10Check out these Teasers for the Rebel Training Camp: Northern Resistance below!

And here are the finished game play videos!

 


VFC MK16 / MK17 Line

VFC ( Vega Force Company ) is a well known airsoft manufacturer in the industry. VFC has proven their name through performance and durability. One of VFC’s original line of performance airsoft guns is their SCAR line. The Special Operations Forces Combat Asault Rifle ( SCAR ) is a modular rifle designed by FN Herstal for U.S. SOCOM. The FN SCAR consisted of two main types. One chambered in 5.56x45mm ( MK16 / SCAR-L ) as well as one chambered for the bigger round 7.62x51mm ( MK17 / SCAR-H ).

VFC has done a great job in designing and creating a precise replica of the SCAR. VFC had originally created the MK16 line but had later created their line for the MK17 rifle. These rifles have gone through a major improvement over the past few years. Similar to the real firearm variant, the VFC Scar contains an aluminum upper receiver and polymer lower frame, stock, and pistol grip. Externally, the VFC MK16 / MK17 contain similar parts such as a monolithic upper rail, left and right rail segments for flashlights, lasers, etc. Like most airsoft SCAR variants on the market, the folding stock makes it easier when transporting your airsoft gun as well as exiting vehicles during a training scenario. The ambidextrous fire selector and magazine release serve a great purpose for left handed shooters especially when transitioning around corners, in buildings, etc. One thing that sets the VFC SCAR line from others is the folding stock, no wires are exposed when stock is folded over. VFC uses a unique hinge system. The gold plated contacts are built in the hinge making the VFC SCAR a more realistic airsoft gun. Although the VFC MK16 and MK17 are one of the more popular SCAR variant airsoft assault rifles on the airsoft field, the VFC MK17 SSR serves a great role for the long range shooter.

The VFC Sniper Support Rifle ( SSR ) is based off of the MK17. Unlike the MK16 and MK17, some of the more noticeable differences is the longer upper receiver as well as the longer barrel. Having a longer inner / outer barrel, allows the user to engage targets in the distance quickly and accurately. The longer monolithic upper rail allows the user to mount their preferred optic(s) at the preferred eye relief in order to adapt to the mission. The extended lower rail will allow the user to not only mount a bipod for stabilized long range shots but for mounting additional vertical grips for more control and comfort at mid range engagements. The VFC MK16 / MK17 has been well known to perform exceptionally well especially in stock form.

Internally, the VFC SCAR line contains simliar components. VFC’s pre-upgraded version 2 gearbox contains reinforced, self shimming, steel gears. Having reinforced drive train components alleviates the worry of parts breaking during operation on the field. Unlike other gearboxes, VFC is equipped with 8mm steel bushings which provide stability and longevity over plastic, copper, and brass bushings. The self shimming system allows the gears to be more stable during rotation. The polycarbonate piston is much stronger yet lighter for durability and longevity. The compression components such as the piston head, cylinder head, cylinder, and air nozzle provide superb air seal even over time. Having a great air seal provides a more consistent velocity output. Less deviation between shots.

Overall, the VFC continues to strive ahead in the airsoft industry by providing one of the best if not the best airsoft guns on the market. The externals are made out of the strongest materials while maintaining a slim and lightweight design. The external finish is exquisite and the internals are by superb. The entire airsoft The MK16 / MK17 line of airsoft guns by VFC are surely designed to impress the average airsoft player or collector.

More details can be found at airsoftgi.com.


Airsoft Brands Temporarily Removing MAP

manufacturer-mapdrop

The following Airsoft Brands will be discounted from 11/29 – 12/3:

20% Discount:

15% Discount:

10% Discount:

  • PTS (Excludes KWA RM4 Models)
  • KJW

The following airsoft brands will be discounted from 11/29 – 12/31:

10% Discount:


Operation Faded Giant After Action Report

OP Faded Giant After Action Review.

 Friday:

We set off from GI Tactical in Richmond VA and headed down the 400+ miles to GTI in Barnwell SC. We had loaded up the RV and headed down the road, we soon renamed the RV to the ACV or Aerodynamically challenged vehicle.

We stopped off for the required stop at South of the Boarder. If you are not familiar with this place, it is basically a 350-acre roadside attraction with shops, restaurants, and some really odd concrete statues, including a collection of iconic Pedros, a cartoon mascot with a Mexican theme.

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We pulled into GTI around 10pm Friday night; we avoided the numerous camping tents and finally pulled up to a suitable spot, and headed into the registration area. We meet with the AMS staff and several of the great support staff for the event, as well as out squad leader. As we returned to the ACV both Zach and I could see the outline of the building against the dark sky, we could not wait till the next day.

Saturday:

I awoke early and after a quick fueling of coffee and breakfast I headed out to the chrono and to the PolarStar tent for an air tank fill. From the moment I stepped out of the ACV till the game started I was busy talking with other players. We all gathered for the event briefing right around 8:30am and of course had the prerequisite group photo. We then split off into our respective teams and then squads. We were briefed on our mission for the first evolution. Last minute gear checks were done and we headed off to the starting area for our side, UFS.

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The seconds slowly ticked by until the command “GO GO GO” was yelled and the stampede up the hill started, squads splitting off, heading to their tasked areas. For the next 3 ½ hours we fought to advance or maintain our line, buildings were taken and lost and taken. We broke for a well needed lunch and returned about an 1 ½ hours later and fought over territory. Our squad was tasked with several missions throughout the day, some involved very close quarter battles inside awesome building, crawling under floors, or holding a specific position. I was exhausted by the time night fell and the evolution ended. Returning to the ACV I gratefully removed my plate carrier and equipment and began to think of what I was going to eat. Out of the darkness came my squad leader, “Ed” he asked “want to be OPFor for a IDAM.

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I promptly grabbed my kit and headed out. The OPFor was myself and 2 members of “Steel Dragons” airsoft team. The IDAM was awesome, total darkness, inside a building and on a roof top. We were searching for a 2 man team, which we found and after a brief battle we died. I finally returned around 9pm to the ACV and collapsed and gobbled my dinner down. The remaining evening was spent talking with fellow campers.

Sunday:

I woke up with a start and my body rebelling form the abuse I had given it the day before. Grabbing coffee and a bite to eat I headed out and began to gear up. The morning briefing was given and very quickly I found myself back fighting for ground and buildings. The fighting today was much faster paced and seemed more constant, leading up to an epic battle in a pipe yard which brought the game to a close.

I returned to the ACV and cleaned up and headed to the closing ceremony and raffle. We finally left the AO around 4pm and arrived back at GI Tactical around 12:30am.

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Personal observations:

I would first like to thank GTI for allowing this event to take place and to AMS for all the hard work they put into this event. This was my first AMS as well as my first Milsim event; I believe I was spoilt with this AO.  GTI is a Decommission Nuclear Fuels Processing Plant used as one of our nation’s premiere training sites for USSOCOM forces, Law Enforcement special operations, federal agencies, and Urban Search and Rescue Teams. As a civilian being able to play at such a location was an amazing experience. For me being able to play as part of a squad and have tasks to do rather than running solo and with no clear goals in mind was great.  Knowing that another squad depended on you completing your mission and that you were covered by another squad was great. The quality of players at this event was second to none, friendly off the field and most definitely switched on during game play. My experience went from one awesome experience to another and another each seeming to get better and better. Physically I was exhausted after the first evolution but as the second and third and fourth came around the exhaustion was replaced with a great adrenaline dump and eagerness to experience more. Engaging enemies from 2 feet to 200+ feet was awesome and sometimes painful. I did enjoy seeing how the old tactics I knew have been improved on as well as equipment; I think I will be updating my kit soon. I cannot wait till FG 3 next year as well as going to play at other Milsim events next year. If you have never gone to a National Milsim event, I highly recommend going, it will be a super experience that is hard to rival.

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M27 IAR Controversy

Named after the 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, the M27 Infantry Assault Rifle is a rather new addition to the United States Marine Corps arsenal to replace a portion of the m249 light machine guns used by automatic rifleman.

IAR1

The M27 Infantry Assault Rifle is  the USMC designated for a H&K416D with an 11″ Free Float Rail with a 16.5″ barrel, and an ambidextrous charging handle. This firearm is standardly kitted out with a Trigicon SAW Day Optic with 3.5x magnification. The IAR is mostly compatible with 30 Round STANAG magazines and each automatic rifleman is expected to be loaded with up to 27 magazines on hand.

Controversy

The immediate reaction to this decision by the USMC has very mixed. Some opponents to the swap feel that it is unwise to go from a belt fed 200 round suppressive fire weapon to a platform that is designed around a 30 round box magazine. Proponents of the change feel that the benefits to having a more reliable, lighter platform outweighs the loss in firepower.

Whether you are for or against the decision it can’t be denied that the switch to the M27 IAR means that infantry tactics will need to be altered. Since the 1980’s infantry rifleman tactics involve the use a SAW platform to put direct fire on the target, and going from the M249 to the M27 changes that dynamic. By having a more lightweight platform, the automatic rifleman will be able participate more effectively in urban terrain direct action and thus increasing the effectiveness of a Marine stack. The loss in firepower cannot be denied however, which mean that the conventional suppressive capabilities of the automatic rifleman will be lost. However, proponents of the M27 IAR argue that having a very accurate weapon will in fact provide a degree of suppressive capability to the automatic rifleman, as accurate shots are just as likely to keep an opponent’s head down is a flurry of shots.

IAR4

The byproduct of the infantry tactics seeing a change means that their training will also need to be updated to accommodate the strengths and weaknesses of the M27. One main advantage regarding training is that the ergonomics of the M27 is very similar to the standard M16A4 and M4A1’s currently in use, which means that training for the IAR will be shorter and easier.

IAR3

The adoption of the M27 IAR started in 2006, when contracts were issued for for various IARs from FN Herstal, H&K, and Colt. So, the decision to go to a 30 round STANAG magazine fed automatic weapon had been decided quite some time ago. This decision in 2006 reflects a shift in the USMC infantry doctrine to turn the marines into a more high speed and maneuverable fighting force.

This doesn’t mean that the M249 will not see any use, as nine M249 SAW’s will still be kept in each rifle company, but they’ll be set up in reserve to be used at each commander’s discretion.

IAR2

How Does this Affect Airsoft?

In reality, this change doesn’t affect airsoft tactics much at all. Each airsoft gun is quite capable of accurate suppressive fire with a box magazine capable of holding up to 800 rounds. In a sense, the average airsoft game is very similar to players firing light machine guns at one another. Nonetheless, those interested in replicating a USMC automatic rifleman build will no longer have to invest in a very heavy SAW platform.

Airsoft IAR

www.airsoftgi.com

– Darren