Airsoft tactics used in skirmishes
Today we want to take a closer look at the fascinating world of tactics in airsoft games. It's more than just shooting - it's the art of planning, coordination, and strategic thinking. Of course, if you want, because you can always run forward and hope that you will succeed. However, when playing as a team or in groups with other players, it is worth knowing at least the basics of tactics. This will ensure more fun and greater effectiveness - it will be easier for you to win. In today's text, I will describe some basics from which you can start your adventure with coordinated actions in shooting games.
What military tactics are used in airsoft?
Tactics in airsoft games are the key to victory.… Or at least increase the chances of victory. From planning maneuvers and communicating with the team to effectively using the terrain and reacting to changing situations - all this affects the outcome of the game. Cooperation with the team is key in this type of activity, so it is worth practicing it with your team. With the right tactics, even a team with less firepower can defeat the opponent. It's not only about shooting skills but also about intelligent planning and teamwork. Formations and procedures ensure maximum firepower and the highest possible safety of unit members.
Military tactics - march formations
In military tactics, a secured formation is a method of organizing troops on the battlefield that ensures safety and flexibility of action. It involves arranging units in such a way that each unit is protected by other units. 360-degree coverage minimizes the risk of attacks from all sides. This is a key element of the strategy that allows you to maintain control over the situation and respond effectively to changing combat conditions. An insured formation may take various forms, depending on the specifics of the mission and terrain, but is always intended to provide protection and mobility to combat units.
According to the currently adopted method of operation of the Polish forces, the full section consists of twelve people. At the same time, the section consists of two subsections with the same functions, so that each person has their own back-up. The order of people in the subsection is as follows:
- Pointman - detector - a person who is supposed to look out for threats lurking in front and underfoot. Fortunately, in airsoft we rarely have to deal with mining the area, but the ability to track and pay attention to details indicating someone's presence is useful.
- Navigator - The detector chooses which path to follow, but the navigator decides the direction of travel. It should always have two independent sets allowing navigation. For example, GPS + map and compass as a backup.
- LMG operator - the person with the most firepower. Everyone wants to have it with them, so the third position is the perfect place to protect your most valuable element of formation.
- Radio operator - a person who ensures the section's communication with the base or other sections in the field. In the airsoft subsection, he often serves as a backup navigator (he follows the route together with the main one, checking whether any mistakes have been made).
- Commander - the most important person in the formation. He commands, makes key decisions to complete the mission, and issues commands to use specific tactics at a specific moment.
- Medic/closing person - it is customary to put a medic here, but primarily it is the person who "closes" (i.e. is the last one and at the same time controls that he or she is the last one) of the formation.
- The pointman is always supposed to secure 180 degrees in the front. So everything in front of it (and on the left and on the right) is in his sector. The leader of the march formation (yellow) secures two roadsides and the road in front of him.
- The second person usually has the left side, although it depends on the situation. Then everything on her left is her responsibility. Most often, you work at "90 degrees" - that is, everything on the left in front (between 9 and 12 on the clock face), although it is in good taste to take a look at what is at the previous 90 degrees (6-9 on the clock), especially in small groups.
- The next person always takes the opposite sector - usually the right one, but if the second person is guarding it, the third person takes the one on the left without any regrets or claims.
- Fourth, fifth, and fifteenth person - according to the previous rules.
- "Cover trail" - The last person takes the rear 180 degrees - analogously to the pointman, he only watches the back. This doesn't mean he has to walk backward all the time. The idea is that she should turn around every 3-4 steps and see if there is any movement behind her.
Columns
The column is one of the basic formations of military units. In this case, units move one behind the other in a single line, usually following the same route (not necessarily a path). It can be used while marching or patrolling the area. Players in the column maintain a constant distance between themselves, which allows for quick response to possible threats and effective cooperation if combat operations are necessary. The distance between people depends on the area in which they are located. In a dense forest or at night it can be up to 3-4 meters, and in an open clearing 10-15 meters. The important thing is that you can see the person in front of you and behind you and be able to communicate with them verbally without drawing too much attention. The column also ensures good visibility and control over the area, which is important when patrolling or moving in variable terrain. At the same time, it allows you to quickly change the direction of your march or perform a tactical maneuver if necessary. To sum up, a column is a way of moving units in one line, which allows for effective action and quick response to changing combat conditions.
A unit moving in a single column
Staggered column
The "double column" formation, also called a staggered column, is a way of moving military units in which soldiers form two parallel lines, one next to the other. This method of movement also allows the unit to remain compact and allows free movement through the area. It also ensures better operation of routes on which cars can travel (wider than paths). The formation of a two-person column also ensures good visibility and control over the area, which is important both during patrolling and in the event of a possible confrontation with the enemy. This allows for quick reactions and taking appropriate tactical actions.
An example of a staggered column (although the models stand a bit too close to each other)
Summary
To summarize our introduction to the tactics we noted the key role of formations in military operations. The challenge for every airsoft or military enthusiast is to translate these principles into practice. That's why we encourage you to be active! Practice tactics, experiment with formations, and participate in tactical simulations. It's not only great fun, but also a great opportunity to improve your tactical skills and build a strong team. Remember that tactical success depends not only on theoretical knowledge but also on practice and experience.
Author: Krzysztof Otryżniuk
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