Airsoft Wargaming 101 : Camouflage

In my quest to share and enlight fellow Airheads and Wargamers, here is another Airsoft/Mil-Sim/Wargame related article;

Since the beginning of time, man and all other types of life have used camouflage. It can be used offensively or defensively. Camouflage can be used either to hide from an enemy or by predators who wish to remain unseen before they attack.

Camouflage is a way of blending in with the surrounding terrain to remain unseen. Many animals can mimic the features of their surroundings by changing the color of their skin. By doing so, they can remain unseen by a predator, or they can attack an unwary victim that is close by. Camouflage is a way of hiding in plain sight.

Camouflage plays a crucial role in military maneuvers. Colors worn by the military mimic their surroundings. If soldiers are on duty in jungle terrain, they wear dark, green colors to help them blend into the surroundings. They also paint their faces brown and green to mimic the foliage and dirt.

If soldiers are in a desert surrounding, they wear tan. In snow covered terrain, they wear all white. The main goal is to stay hidden from the sight of the enemy. The camouflage used in the military is often a disruptive pattern, because it is easier to spot straight lines. The brain connects mottled patterns with the surrounding trees and bushes.

The brain’s perception is a very important factor in military camouflage. The brain categorizes things as separate objects. When someone is looking at a countryside scene, there is an enormous amount of information to take in. It is rather like the old saying, “you can’t see the wood for the trees.” People use their senses, mostly the eyes, to break the scene down into different parts.

If your eyes see a group of trees, the brain perceives it as a forest. A quick scan will not show anything untoward. The visual information the brain perceives is rather like looking at a magic eye picture. It is only with some distinct movement that the illusion of camouflage can be broken. Once you have seen the camouflaged person, he or she will stand out, and by then, it may be too late.

Below I will break down the types of camouflage you will mostly see and where they should be used:

Olive Drab
This color of uniform was first used as military camouflage in the 18th century. It has since become outdated and is currently used by the armies of many third world countries.


“Duck Hunter” or “Frog” Pattern
The US Army and Marine Corps were issued full camo uniforms during the later part of WWII called the “Duck Hunter” or “Frog” pattern. It was designed by the Californian horticulturist Norvell Gillespie. In early 1942 it came as a reversible one piece jumpsuit, which they found to become extremely heavy when wet since it was 100% cotton. It also lacked a drop-seat, making it necessary to disrobe for toilet functions. In early 1943 it came as a two piece uniform. Both uniforms were reversible with a green pattern outside and a tan pattern inside, suitable for use on a beach landing (sand) or later in the jungle interior (green), typical of the Pacific campaigns.

Best Used – In the forest

US M65 ERDL and M81 “Woodland”*my all-time favorite pattern*

This pattern is currently used by the US Army. It was first introduced in the early 1980′s. “Woodland” was based off of a similar pattern called M65 Environmental Research and Development Laboratories (ERDL), or “Leaf” pattern. M65 ERDL was designed in 1948 and the US used during the Vietnam War from 1965-1967. These two patterns have been the standard patterns for the Army’s Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) from 1965-2005.

Tiger Stripe
Tiger Stripe was initially used in the jungles of Vietnam by U.S. Special Forces and is now over 30 years old and still being used. It was based on Vietnamese pattern, derived from French “Lizard” pattern.

US Desert 6 Color “Chocolate Chip”

This 6 color camo pattern was used in Operation Desert Storm. It was the first widely issued US desert camo uniform. The two browns are almost impossible to distinguish from each other and the light green is hard to see as well. So why go through the expense of 6 color printing when only 4 colors are actually identifiable?

US Desert Tricolor
This pattern is the currently used for the US Desert Combat Uniform (DCU’s). It was first used in 1990 during Operation Desert Shield. In preventing detection with infrared devices, Tricolor has a 30% improvement over “Chocolate Chip” due to the removal of the white dots.

CADPAT-TW (temperate woodland)
Canadian Military came out with a new digital pixilated pattern in the 1990’s called CADPAT which brought the acclaim from NATO in field testing. At the close of the 20th century the Canadian Army decided to adopt a complete camouflage uniform (including equipment covers) for its field troops. Up until 2000, the Canadians still used a mono-color green uniform. CADPAT was the first digital pattern to go into mass production.

TIGERPAT*another favorite pattern and next BDU project*
If Tiger Stripe came second to a digital pattern why not evolve Tiger Stripe into a digital pattern? Guy Cramer, one of the world’s top experts on camouflage and designer of over 250 digital camouflage patterns conceived of giving Tiger Stripe the digital makeover.

MARPAT Woodland
In 2000 the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) gave a directive to develop a new and improved camouflage uniform. After initial evaluation, eight potential candidates were selected from more than 100 after-market camouflage. Because of other factors, this selection was further narrowed down to the three best performers: Tiger Stripe pattern, Canadian Pattern (CADPAT), and Rhodesian Disruptive Pattern Material (Rhodesian DPM). The USMC considered adopting CADPAT for their new pattern; however the Canadian government owns the copyright for the pattern. These three selected patterns were scanned and digitally edited; and a modified version of the Rhodesian DPM camouflage early figured to be the favorite. There was, however, some feeling that the USMC deserved something more original and distinctive than a pre-existing pattern, suitably adapted.

After extensive laboratory analysis and testing, a variation of the CADPAT pattern using the colors that had been used to modify the Rhodesian DPM camouflage. The CADPAT pattern had been empirically modified by well trained and seasoned Marine Corps Scout Snipers, along with the Canadian Department of National Defense and their extensive research used to develop CADPAT. This modified version of CADPAT was selected and designated as Marine Corps Pattern (MARPAT). MARPAT and Tiger Stripe were then selected for print on actual material and taken for field evaluation where MARPAT emerged as the victor.

The American MARPAT is a 4 color pattern based on olive greens and browns. The camouflage pattern was officially designated Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform Pattern, and the introduction of the new Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform (MCCUU) commenced in 2002.

Best Used –

MARPAT Desert*im currently using this one*
This 4 color pattern is the currently used for the Marines’ desert uniform. The uniform design is identical to the Woodland MARPAT uniform.

MARPAT Urban
This 4 color pattern was designed by the Marines for an urban uniform. This design has never gone into full production runs.

ACUPAT
In 2004 the U.S. Army began to trial the new Army Combat Uniform (ACU) with a new digital pattern called ACUPAT, also known as Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP) and officially designated as ARPAT. Based on the Marines’ MARPAT, ACUPAT is composed of three colors: sage-green (woodland), grey (urban environments) and sand-brown (desert). Black was omitted since it is not a color commonly found in nature. Nonetheless, it is a color that creates depth, and in nature, shadows are often perceived as black. The military feels there is no one camouflage that is fool-proof in every situation, but ACUPAT does a very good job.

During development, it was speculated that with this pattern, soldiers would need half as many uniforms, thereby saving government spending. The problem of course, is that the uniforms will still wear out at the same rate as the old one and end up costing the government the same amount. The ACU has some radical design changes compared to the BDU, such as canted pockets, hook & loop fastener closures (in-place of buttons), wrinkle-free material, and a Nehru collar. The ACU became standard issue for all deployed troops in 2005.

MultiCam
Saw this pattern for the first time in Transformers part-1. MultiCam is a modern multi-environment camouflage pattern developed by Crye Associates in conjunction with U.S. Army Soldier Systems Center (also known as U.S Army Natick labs). The pattern was on the race to replace the 3-color desert and Woodland patterns, but originally lost to the Universal Camouflage Pattern in 2004, seen in the Army Combat Uniform. However, it was commissioned in 2010 and will be replacing the UCP pattern over time for use by US Army Units serving in Afganistan. According to the Army’s test results, MultiCam was the only camo pattern to rank first in all three categories of the Army’s photosimulation evaluation.

MultiCam has background colors of a brown to light-tan gradient and lime green blending in between, the main part consist of green to yellowish green gradient and finally dark brown and light pinkish blotches spread throughout the pattern. This allows for the overall appearance to change from greenish to brownish in different areas of the fabric, while having smaller blotches to break up the bigger background areas. MultiCam hides volume and form by tricking the human eyes perception of color. MultiCam allows the object it covers to blend into the back ground with the camo pattern.


Real Tree™
Widely used by hunters, this natural pattern works extremely well for one specific environment. Real Tree is made specifically for the North American environment. It has found its way onto many things other than uniforms, such as rifles, vehicles, casual wear, and even women’s sleepwear (perfect for the wife of a redneck).


Mossy Oak™
Widely used by hunters, this natural pattern works extremely well for one specific environment. Mossy Oak is also made specifically for the North American environment. It has found its way onto many things other than uniforms, such as rifles, vehicles, casual wear, and even women’s sleepwear (then again, perfect for the wife of a redneck).

Hmmm.. i think i should include some the special mentioned* patterns in my Christmas wish-list too!

**camouflage images courtesy of Wikipedia**

God's Purpose In Tough Times

2010 is a not-so-good year for me, but I'm thankful that somehow things are turning around for me and my family and we are yet to start another chapter in our lives here in Singapore. Coming from a Catholic's point of view and understanding, some of you might find it unusual for an average joe like me to write this kind of entry, but as I said before; "I'm not a religious person but a faithful one." And this is my way of letting everyone know how good and great God is :)

So anyways, this post explains what God’s purpose is in the difficult experiences we must face in life, as explained by God in His Word, which is truth. Even though God doesn’t always give us the answer to our “Why?!” questions, He does tell us His purpose in causing or allowing these difficult times to happen in our lives.

I think you might be a completely insane lunatic if you said that you actually enjoy affliction, trials, and hardship. None of it is pleasant. And yet, God commands (yes, that’s right… commands!) us to rejoice in the midst of it because He is behind it, and using it for His glory (James 1:2-4). And He is not a God that “willingly afflicts or grieves the children of men.” (Lamentations 3:33)

So what is God’s purpose in all of these things?

God’s Purpose in Affliction

When things are difficult in life, and you’re left with nothing but questions, God does have a purpose in your affliction. He may not give you the exact answers to why it’s in your life (He usually never does), but nonetheless, it is ordained by the sovereign plan and wisdom of God for His purposes and glory. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-7, God gives us a reason for the affliction He brings into our lives.

Read this verse…

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Why does God allow us to be afflicted?

“…who comforts us in all our affliction, SO THAT we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

God causes or allows affliction in our lives so that He will be magnified in being both the comforter of our affliction, and so that through His comfort experienced in the midst of our affliction, we may be able to comfort others who are in any affliction.

So, it’s twofold… His purpose is to glorify His name in proving Himself to be the Father of mercies and God of all comfort in the midst of our affliction. And His purpose in comforting you in your affliction is so that you will then comfort others who are in any affliction with the comfort that you’ve received from God in your own affliction.

The truth is that everyone’s experience of affliction via circumstance, pain, or suffering may be different from someone else’s. But one’s ability to comfort another person in their affliction does not depend on that person having gone through the same experience, but rather from experiencing God’s comfort in affliction.

When you go through difficult times, it often feels like you’re the only one going through it, but God assures us in His word that it’s for His glory, our comfort, and for the comfort of others who are afflicted.

God also commands us to rejoice in our affliction. Knowing that God is purposeful in the affliction we experience helps us to continue to walk by faith, and to keep rejoicing in Him who works all things together for His perfect and pleasing will.

God’s Purpose in Trials

“Uhh, what?!” you may be asking. “How in the world am I supposed to rejoice in the midst of my hardship and affliction?”

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4

Why does God command us to rejoice in the midst of trials?

Because just like God’s purpose in our affliction is to reveal His comfort and grace so that we might be able to comfort others with God’s comfort, God’s purpose in trials is to test our faith, which produces steadfastness or endurance. Again, here’s another reason that God gives us on why we experience trials, hardship, and affliction. His trials will make our faith more durable so that His light will shine brighter in the midst of affliction and hardships, as the world witnesses our response to those trials in faith and trust. As we grow to learn that God’s trials are purposeful for the steadfastness of our faith, He will be glorified in our rejoicing in those trials. God is more glorified in our rejoicing of trials that He brings, rather than our complaining of the hardship we experience as a result of God’s trials.

God’s Purpose in Hardship

God is purposeful in the hardship that He brings into our lives.

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?

“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”

It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:3-11

So, it reminds us that we are to consider hardship as the discipline of God. If God did not discipline us, then we would be illegitimate children and not sons and daughters of our heavenly Father.

So, hardship should first remind us of God’s love for us as His children, not wanting us to stray into disobedience and a life of sin.

What is the purpose of God’s discipline?

“but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.”

At first glance, we may not understand what “sharing his holiness” means. But if we look a little further in the text, God gives us the answer in v.14 – “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”

So God’s purpose in hardship to remind us that we are His children, and as a loving Father disciplines His children to keep them from going astray from what is right and good and true, God disciplines for our good so that we may share his holiness, or so that we may see Him more clearly. It also yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. It yields righteousness when we are trained by it, and understand that it comes from God for His purpose and good in our lives, but if we do not understand, the devil can try to convince us to despise His discipline in our lives, which would not yield the fruit of righteousness, but instead an attitude of bitterness towards our loving Father, instead of loving submission and trust in the sovereign will of God.

All of these things–affliction, trials, hardship–God purposefully uses in our lives so that we might glorify Him more. None of them are too pleasant, but when we realize that God is using them for His glory and for our good, by His grace working within us, we will learn to submit to them with a joyful, patient and trusting heart, rather than despising God for bringing it into our lives.

And of course, the consolation of having true friends who are always there for you in your toughest, lowest, hardest time is another blessing that we should be thankful of God for. To all our friends who have been there for us through thick and thin; from the inner pits of my heart; I thank you all..\0/ "YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE"

The Best Job In The World!

I was a little suspicious about the job description: full-time position, no academic qualifications or experience required. The only deal breaker: You cannot quit.

I filed my application anyway.

Late-last year my wife informed me that the pregnancy test confirmed she was pregnant. I was definitely hired and was expecting my second child in June. It did not take long for me to realize that i was mere clueless about what was to come. Given that i already have an 11 year old son, I never have an in-depth real-time experience being a full-time Dad coz there was household help (my mom, in-laws and so-forth) raising my first child. I decided to embark on a "skills upgrading program" that equipped me with theory and practical skills to take on the job. Actually me and my wife did it together, by browsing thru the internet learning about baby care tips and stuffs on-line. Parenting is a shared responsibility and it starts before the birth itself.

I invited myself at every step of the way- from the selection of the OB-Gyn and the hospital to the OB visits, from pre-natal course to the emotional moment of the delivery. Because non of this is mandatory, it is very easy for dads-to-be to skip all these events. But for me, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity and it proved to be a rewarding process.



My experience with my eldest son are really useful for practical reasons. It thought me how to handle, burp, bathe and clean my baby. on the other hand, the OB sessions are great opportunities to clarify your doubts. And then, there are also magical moments like hearing your child's heartbeat and seeing his picture via ultrasound scan for the first time.

Yes, we were all alone in this wonderful journey as its just me and my wife here in Singapore. I think she was grateful that we went through this experience as a team and that I was able to support her in a more meaningful way by doing my share of chores related to the care of the baby..well, almost ;)

I recall one conversation I had with our good friend Ma.Janet Geneblazo Buelo telling me " you know what, in my lifetime up to this age, I've never seen a man or father bathing a baby, you are the first one." I told myself, whoa! that's the best comment/compliment I ever got from someone and it feels so super-dooper-ultra-mega-to-the-max-awesome!

Things that change when you have a baby:



You find that your baby's pain feels much worse than your own. You become a morning person. You'd rather buy a toy for your kid than gadgets and cool guy stuffs that you've been dying to have. You rather stay at home on your free-time and just laze and play in bed with your little one. You rather sing along with Barney instead of hanging out with your drinking buddies. Watch Sesame Street videos on YouTube of Elmo, Big Bird, Bert and Ernie, instead of playing on-line games. You no longer rely on a clock, your baby now sets your schedule. You can have the most wonderful conversation using only vowel sounds like "ah" and "wooh" ..And the best part is, no matter how tired you are from work, it all goes away when you reach home.



Juan Miguel, my youngest is now 4 going 5months old. He has grown to be a very active and healthy infant. The road ahead is full of important milestones: his first birthday, his first giggle, his first steps, his first day at school and so on..

Being his father, I'am very excited by the prospect of accompanying him on that rocky road that is life. As a side note, for Dads who complain that babies do not come with instruction manuals, there apparently is one; its tucked within your heart. You just have to look for it and put it into actions with passion, dedication and love. Taking a step and looking back, I can affirm it loud and clear: " I love this Job." Every time my little Miggy gives me his uber-cutie smiles, and seeing my eldest son Paulo growing up to be a fine young man, I feel like I have the best job in the world, and that is being their Dad! \0/



to Victor Paulo and Juan Miguel; " Daddy love's you both oh so very much."

Airsoft 101 (Choosing The Right Weapon)

Suddenly i'm so inspired to blog about Airsoft and related stuff so here goes another:

So you’ve decided you want to get into airsoft, or your looking to purchase your next airsoft gun. You’ve decided on manufacturer, build material type, and price. You visit a few on-line or local Airsoft Retailers and are suddenly overwhelmed by the choices you have. So what do you choose? This guide will help you make the right choice based on how you plan to use your airsoft gun.

The first questions you need to ask yourself is what type of skirmishes will you participate in and what will be your role. Skirmishes’ can range from Urban Combat, to open battlefield re-enactments. Samples of roles you can fill are rifleman, machine gun operator, or sniper. In this guide i will break down weapons into categories, list the types of Airsoft guns that fit those categories and correspond them to Skirmish types. The categories are:

* Side-Arms
* Personal Defense Weapons (PDW)
* Close Quarters Battle (CQB) Weapons
* Assault Rifles
* Sniper and Battle Rifles
* Machine guns, Squad Weapons, and Everything else

The Side Arm

Side Arms mainly encompass handguns (automatics and revolvers). In the real world they are used by law enforcement, military, and security services. They are weapons that you carry in a holster to rely on as a last resort or for very close quarters combat. Airsoft pistols come in spring loaded and gas versions. Airsoft pistols tend to have shorter range due to their slower muzzle velocity. A side arm is best used under 15 metres, although many are accurate at longer ranges. Most Airsoft enthusiasts keep a side-arm at the ready in case they run out of ammo or their airsoft gun runs out of battery power. It should not be your main weapon on the field, but may well be in the CQB. Side-Arms are also great for target practice and teaching proper firearms handling.

The Personal Defense Weapon – PDW

The personal defense weapon (PDW) is a compact semi-automatic firearm. They are similar to most assault rifles but usually have shorter ranges and sometimes higher rates of fire. The real steel is used primarily by security and special ops forces due to their compact size. Many airsoft enthusiasts will argue that PDW can be considered side-arms due to their small compact nature. An Airsoft PDW can make a great back-up weapon (like a sidearm) or can be used as your primary weapon in close quarters combat scenarios (room clearing and urban ops). Though in real life they are not as accurate as assault rifles at longer ranges in Airsoft PDW’s are just as good as most other semi-auto weapons. You may want to consider a PDW if you are participating in urban ops, specifically indoor ops as well as on open fields. This weapon will easily fit into any different environment. Weapon types that fit into the PDW category are:

* Belgian P90
* H&K MP5PDW/RAS/K
* MAC10
* Beretta 93R
* Scorpion
* Tech-9

Close Quarters Battle (CQB)

CQB is the latest buzzword in the airsoft and real weapon communities. This encompasses weapons that are best suited for Room-to-room, between building and confined space shooting. Many CQB weapons are favored by vehicular based soldiers/law enforcement as they provide good balance of maneuverability, accuracy and range. Most CQB combat is incurred by small teams engaging the enemy at close range. Many CQB weapons are shorter barrel variants of the normal assault weapons, and sometimes even include collapsible or folding stocks. You may also hear CQB called MOUT (a military acronym for Military Operations on Urban Terrain). The CQB Airsoft guns are great for the above described skirmish types, but also give you decent range and accuracy in open and woodland areas. If you will be doing a combination of Close Quarters and open area Skirmishes, a CQB would be a good choice. Airsoft guns that fit the CQB classification are (some will also fit the PDW Category):

* M4 CQB
* MP5 (most variants)
* P90
* G36/C
* G3
* UMP
* AK-Spetz

Assault Rifle

An assault rifle is a rifle or carbine offering a Semi automatic firing mode. Assault rifles fit between Machine guns and CQB Weapons, and are the preferred small-arms issued to most modern armies. Many of the CQB and PDW weapons are variants of full-sized assault weapons. They provide longer range and accuracy and are best suited for open area combat, Assault weapons are not very convenient or useful for close quarters combat. So, if you need something with longer range/accuracy and the ability to lay down a lot of fire this may be the airsoft gun for you. Weapons that make great Airsoft assault Rifle choices are:

* M16A1/A2
* XM8
* G36
* AK-47
* M4A1-Carbine
* SCAR
* MP40

Sniper and Battle Rifles

The next category encompasses the longer barreled sniper rifles and older model battle rifles. Most of these rifles are intended for single shot, long range firepower. However, many of them can be shot on full-automatic firing mode. The ability to hit your target outside of his/her weapon’s maximum effective range is the strength of the sniper rifles. If you think you may be assigned as a sniper, these weapons make the best choice for you. Many of the Battle Rifles are usually period type rifles (WWII, Vietnam, etc.) and are great for long range, accurate airsoft shooting. If you participate in any period airsoft battles Battle Rifles will suit your purpose. Many of the Airsoft sniper rifles and battle rifles available have mounts for a scope which gives you magnified sighting power. Keep in mind the sniper and Battle Rifle may be longer and bulkier that most Airsoft guns. This makes maneuverability low, but accuracy is through the roof! The most popular Sniper and Battle Rifles include (but not limited to):

* Soviet Dragunov Rifle (sniper)
* M1 Garand (battle Rifle)
* M14 Rifle (Battle/Sniper)
* M4 SPR Mod-1 (Sniper)

Other airsoft guns that do not fit into any of the above categories are:

* Airsoft Shotguns
* Airsoft Claymores (landmines)

These are specialized and have limited uses. Shotguns are usually used for close quarters battle and room clearing operations. Claymores are best used for base defense or bobby-trapping heavily traveled areas.

As you can see the Airsoft Weapon choices are available for all skirmish scenarios. You may find that you have interests in different types of airsoft play and you’ll need more than one weapon in your arsenal. This is not uncommon in the airsoft circles and acceptable for most players. Recommendations from other players can be helpful too. Veterans of various fields will know what works best based on terrain and skirmish types. Don’t be afraid to ask. Forums are a good choice to bounce ideas off fellow airsoft players too.

Good luck in your selection process. Have fun, safe time on the field!!! And of course, don’t forget your eye protection!

Airsoft Wargaming 101

"I eat, sleep and drink Airsoft." yea, this has always been my line referring to my beloved sport. I've been playing Airsoft for quite some time and being an "Airsoft Pioneer" and Mil-Sim/Wargame Enthusiat, which dates back to the late 80's and early 90's in the Philippines during the time of Gas Guns, Springers and Pneumatics; i think its about time i blog something about it.

Airsoft is a social sport, and so playing on a team is one of the enjoyable aspects of the hobby. If you can find a team to play on, then join! If not, there’s nothing stopping you from forming your own team. But whether or not you’re on a team you started or not, it’s a good idea to train with your team. Your team can learn things like formations, hand signals, moving, tactics, marksmanship and more.

1. Squad Roles

You should assign a role to each member of your team. If your team has more than 5 members, then dividing everyone into squads of 5 or 6 men each is a good idea. Here are the roles:

Assault soldier (rifleman): The assault soldier forms the backbone of the squad. He fights with a medium range assault rifle. His main responsibility is to act as the squad’s muscle, eliminating hostile forces and helping the team achieve its objective through flanking, suppressive fire, and tactical movement. They should move swiftly and have a quick mind to evaluate threats and respond accordingly. They should also take orders willingly and never flee or retreat unless commanded to do so by the squad leader

Point man: If the squad is a spear, then the point man is the very tip of it. Armed with a rifle or sub-machine gun, he goes ahead of the assault soldiers, acting as recon and team leader. He must be the squad’s best tactician, in order to decide when to and when not to engage. Stealthy movement is also a must, along with leadership skills to keep the squad in line.

Support Gunner: The support gunner has one simple job: suppress the enemy so that the assault team can move unmolested. In order to complete this, he must have a large, powerful weapon. His aim and tactical sense need not be great, as his role is only to put a huge amount of lead into the right area. However, he should be strong in order to carry his heavy load-out of heavy guns and magazines.

Designated Marksman: The designated marksman is a part of the assault team. However, he is different than his fellow assault grunts because of his weapon, a large, accurate semi-automatic rifle. He has two roles. The first is to engage targets that are out of the assault team’s range, hurting the enemy before they can do any damage. His second role is as a counter-sniper, to find and suppress enemy snipers as the squad moves in and destroys them.

Sniper/Spotter: As the most independent soldier in the squad, the sniper is largely autonomous from the assault team. With his large, accurate rifle, his main job is to harass and harry the enemy by attacking them from an unknown position. As a secondary duty, the sniper reports back to the squad, via radio or hand signals, about enemy movements and positions. He should be the stealthiest person on the squad, skilled in woodcraft and concealment. The sniper should also have a slightly “lone wolf” mentality, as he occasionally will be completely cut off from the squad and must survive alone.

Heavy Weapons/Demolition Man: This soldier’s main duty is intimidation, suppressing the enemy with a barrage of explosives and smoke to cover up the squad’s movements. It is definitely not a position that requires finesse.

A squad should be compromised of a point man and and at very least, 4 other riflemen. If someone has the resources to be a support gunner or a DM (designated marksman) then they can be great additions to the squad. However, a squad should be based off of riflemen, as they are the workhorse of the squad.

A sniper team is also a great addition to the team. If available, a spotter that can assist the sniper may prove very useful, but could also prove unwieldy, cumbersome and distracting. It really depends on the sniper. A sniper team will never exist of more than two men. Most of the time, snipers will go alone. They’ll have to be very good at what they do, as airsoft sniper rifles do not have the same capabilities as real steal sniper rifles do. Real sniper rifles can hit ranges up to and beyond 3 miles. A good sniper rifle can hit around 300 feet.

It is very rare for a team to have a heavy weapons guy. Most of the time, riflemen will carry their own explosives, such as such smoke, and grenades. A lot of people also mount grenade launchers on their rifles. For starting teams, do not worry about this role.

Here’s your first guide and piece of advice.

2. Soldier Readiness Conditions

Now that your team members have roles, it’s time to teach them about the different readiness positions. Confused about what this is? Read on to find out.

Soldier Readiness Conditions

Condition 1. Combat Impossible (in safe zone, before game, after game)
All weapons are put on safety, magazines are removed, and chambers are cleared. Pistols are holstered, while rifles are slung over back or held in non-ready position. The soldier is allowed to relax/rest.

Condition 2. Combat unlikely
Weapons are on safety, with fingers off the trigger, but magazines are inserted. Weapons should be held at the soldier’s side, within easy reach. The soldier should scan his surroundings, remaining alert, but not necessarily using cover when speed is important.

Condition 3. Combat possible
Weapons are on safety, with fingers off the trigger. Magazines are inserted. Weapons are held ready, but not shouldered.
The soldier should be very alert, watching his surroundings closely and staying near cover.

Condition 4. Combat likely
Weapons are on safety, with fingers off the trigger. Magazines are inserted. Weapons are shouldered, with the barrel pointing down. The soldier is very alert, and points his gun wherever he looks. He stays under cover when stationary, and is covered by his squad-mates when he moves.

Condition 5. Combat imminent.
Weapons are off safety, with fingers off the trigger. Magazines are inserted. Weapons are shouldered, with the barrel pointed toward the enemy’s location. The soldier is extremely alert, focusing his attention toward the enemy’s location, but still remaining aware of his surroundings. He stays under cover unless moving to a different location is vital.

Condition Six. Combat commenced.
Weapons are off safety, with fingers on the trigger and magazines inserted. Weapons are shouldered, with the soldiers looking down their sights. The soldier is at his highest alert, which can only be maintained for a few minutes before adrenaline, tunnel vision and other effects begin to have a negative impact. He focuses his attention on his lane of fire, but should still remain aware of the overall tactical situation. He remains in his position unless covered by his squad-mates.

Note:. these conditions are meant as general guidelines for riflemen/support gunners etc. Snipers should keep their safety on until actually engaging the enemy, and should remain on a Condition 4 alert status throughout the game

Because CQB (Close Quarters Battle)is a game of reflex, CQB men should keep their safety off from the time they reach Condition 4. Like snipers, they should constantly keep a Condition 4 alert status.

My trigger finger is itchy already, cant wait for the next skirmish..AWOOF!

5 Lessons Your Kids Can Learn From Manny Pacquiao

While im still in high spirits over Manny Pacquiao's win over Mexican Margarito, i cant help but to share with you about me and my son's recent live chat over at YM.

Manny Pacquiao does more than make Filipino and Asian hearts swell with pride and lower the crime rate to almost zero during a fight.

On a micro-scale—the family unit, the level that matters the most—he opens the opportunity for kids to learn what winning is all about, especially in this time and age when victory means crushing the enemy and gloating.

Sensing the frenzy online and my furious following of tweets on the fight, my eldest son asked me: “Why does Pacquiao always win?” “Because he practices with dedication in his heart.” I answer instantly.

According to Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, successful individuals—The Beatles, Bill Gates, for example—have spent at least 10,000 hours of their lives doing what they have become famous for.

Make this fact relatable to your children by pointing out what they like to do, or what skill or talent they have. For example my son, Paulo, is heavily into basketball—not just the typical street and clubhouse basketball stuff, but the hardcore junior basketball leagues in his school. He even had “lessons” at Milo Best Center in Alabang Town Center during summer. He began 6years ago,and was hooked.

Lesson no. 1: Practice, train, and rehearse your skills every chance you get.

But Pacquiao didn’t ALWAYS win. In 2005, he lost to Erik Morales. After, Freddie Roach came into his life and has since been unbeatable. I point this out to Paulo. “to also win, you got to have a good coach or mentor.”

A good friend of mine and sports journalist Allen Barra writes in The Daily Beast: “(Roach) has worked with dozens of champions over the years and learned his training skills from the great Eddie Futch. He said Pacquiao is, ‘Maybe the greatest two-handed fighter I’ve ever seen. You see a lot of great fighters who have one great punch and a good second punch. Joe Louis had the greatest jab I’ve ever seen. Joe Frazier had a great left hook, Mike Tyson had a killer right. But Manny has the best punch of anyone in boxing with either his right or his left.’”

Lesson no. 2: Choose a teacher that will help you excel.

While many get caught up in what people think of them, putting image before purpose, Pacquiao remains focused on his goal: winning the fight. Training with a single-mindedness chronicled in other reports, he also remains unfazed by criticism and trash-talk.

Paulo sums it up: “You mean he believes in himself?”

Exactly. Stand your ground.

Lesson no. 3: Be strong within so you can be strong on the outside.

Pacquiao is also known for “lifting up” his fights to God and country. I point this out to Paulo also.

i told him; "we are not a religious family, but—I like to believe—a faithful one. Paulo considers his good night prayers a powerful call to a Divine Force to protect him. This is the same God that allows (because He could very well NOT) Pacman to win.

Lesson no. 4: When you call to God to help you in a fight, you’ll know you’ll win; and if you don’t, there’s a really good reason why.

In the last rounds, which i showned my son Paulo via a YouTube clip how Pacquiao is just prancing around, when he could have easily battered Margarito into a human burrito.

Post-fight, the 8-time Welterweight Champion tells the commentator: “Boxing is not for killing each other.”

Paulo, struggling for the words in his 11-year old vocabulary, remarks when I ask him what he thinks about Pacman letting Margarito go. “It’s only a game…it’s about compassion.”

Lesson no. 5: The gracious and merciful victor is the best kind of all.

In ending, i told my son; "Victor Paulo, i hope you can share this too with your little brother Juan Miguel when he grows up..of being humble and kind in words and in your deeds."