Midwest Airsoft

Weekend Events 05-02-08

2008-05-02T14:00:00.001-05:00

May in the Midwest is starting out strong with ten games to announce this weekend. It looks like this will be a very busy month to be an airsofter. Please note that the skirmish in N. Indiana has moved from the 3rd to the 17th.

3: Operation 115 at Springfield, Ohio
It looks like this game is going to have a nice turnout, with over 40 players confirmed to attend and many others who will possibly make it. The event will run from 10am until 5pm and costs $20 to attend. You must be 14 years old or older and have a waiver signed to play at this field which you can find, along with the event rules here.

3: Backyard Tactical Training Open Game at N. Royalton, Ohio
Backyard Tactical Training is hosting a free game($5 if you want pizza) this Saturday at a private field. The game starts at 12pm and lasts until 8pm, so bring a flashlight for "Night Splinter Cell games." This seems like a very new player friendly game so if you have been considering getting into airsoft play check it out. Photos of the field can be found here.

3: Indoor and Outdoor Skirmish at Conquest in Sunbury, Ohio
The third option for Ohio players this Saturday is an indoor and outdoor skirmish in Sunbury Ohio. Players must be over 13 and have a gun shooting at appropriate fps for the location, for more details click here.

3: Hunting Pablo: Redux at Realms of Ruin Paintball in Cluster Park, Ill.
If hunting down Columbian drug lords sounds exciting to you, this game might catch your interest. The fee is $25 per player and registration starts at 8am. Make sure to get there early because you will have to wait if you are not checked in and chrono'd by 8:50am. Make sure you bring a kill rag and barrel blocking device to the field as these are mandatory to play. This event has many special rules for gameplay so please familiarize yourself with them here.

4: Walsh Farms Open Play at Doylestown, Ohio
If you're over 12 years old and are looking for a fun skirmish this Sunday, check out the Walsh Farms open play. The fee to play is $6 and there will be multiple scenarios depending upon how many players attend. Game starts at 10am and ends whenever people are done, and don't forget to bring your own food and water.

4: The Riots at The Wargame Room in Batavia, Wisc.
Not only are there rioters in The Wargame Room this weekend but terrorists have mixed into the group as well. Fight the law or play as S.W.A.T. in this scenario game. The game fee is $20 and you must have a barrel blocking device to play. Everyone 12 and older is welcome to attend this game though anyone under 18 must take a safety course. The field opens at 9am and the game will run until 4pm. Click here for full rules and info.

4: Operation: Big Fish at Lakeshore Airsoft in Fruitport, Mich.
If you're in the Michigan area, this scenario game may interest you. In this game you can play as a member of the U.S. forces and attempt to overtake the extremists or join them and overthrow western tyranny. Or join the Guerrillas and support whoever has the fatter wallet. The game briefing will start promptly at 9:30 am so make sure you're on time and registered by then. For full rules and info click here.

4: Swap and Skirmish at Elm, Mo.
Dan's Toy Shop is hosting this swap and skirmish at the junkyard on Sunday. The gate opens at 9am and the swap will be held as people set up. If you are planning on attending you are asked to bring these items if possible; A tan and a green hat, a radio, red dead rag, lunch and a field fee of $10.

4: Skirmish at Independence, Mo.
The Kansas City Airsoft Club is hosting this skirmish in Missouri. The fee to play is $10 and the game will run from 9:30am until 4:30 pm.

4: Skirmish at Mad Cow Paintball in Louisville, Neb.
Our final game to list for the weekend is a skirmish at Mad Cow Paintball in Nebraska. If you're in the area check it out. Cost to play is $5 and game start is also 9:30am.

Second Wisconsin Airsoft Expo

2008-05-02T01:14:00.003-05:00

We just received word about the upcoming Wisconsin Airsoft Expo in Wakusha, Wisc. on August 3rd. It sounds very exciting with lots of prizes, vendors, classes, and meeting other airsofters from the area. Check below for full details.

The second annual Wisconsin Airsoft Expo is coming to Waukesha, Wisconsin! If you or someone you know is interested in airsoft, don't miss this expo! The Expo will be held at the Waukesha County Expo center. Pictures of the 2007 expo available here
http://www.wisconsinairsoft.com/2007airsoftexpo.html

When:
Sunday, August 3rd 2008. 10am to 6pm.
Exhibitors and vendors may set up at 8am.

Where:
Waukesha County Expo Center
1000 Northview Rd
Waukesha, WI 53188

The Wisconsin Airsoft Expo website and information can be found at...
http://www.wisconsinairsoft.com/wisconsinairsoft.html

Here are just a few things to look forward to at the expo (more will be updated on the event website as time goes by)...
- A convention hall set up with booths and plenty of area for social interaction
- Vendors onsite with all sorts of airsoft equipment for sale
- Informational booths for those interested in the sport
- Wisconsin Team exhibits; find out what the teams are in Wisconsin... or surrounding areas!
- Training classes in subjects related to airsoft
- A prize giveaway
- Safely educating and informing in a family friendly atmosphere welcome to anyone
- A generous list of sponsors who have all donated product that will be given away to attendees
- Contests for Best Booth, Best Gear, and Best Costume (see below for specific contest info)
- A short "Nervous Parent's Guide to Airsoft" Seminar run by Todd Meyer
- And more! (Check back for more updates on expo activities)

Attendee Info
- 12 and younger: Free with a paid entry
- 13 and older: $10 for entry (eligible for giveaway ticket for prize giveaway)

Contests
There will be several contests going on during this expo. Please read below if you are interested in competing.
-Best Booth: If you have a neat idea to jazz up a booth and win, all you have to do is attend with a DISPLAY BOOTH or larger table space entry and submit your information into the contest at the registration table. All booth entries will be photographed and voted on for winner of Best Booth.
-Best Gear: Got some really neat gear to show off? If you attend the event in your full getup (NO GUNS for attendees), enter into the contest at the registration booth, and get your picture taken, you can be eligible to win. Examples of "gear" can be the uniform and tactical gear you wear during games.
-Best Costume: If you have a costume or impression that you think could win best costume, show up to the expo in it and enter into the contest at the registration booth to win. Examples of this could be a WW2 impression, a costume for a role you play for events, a sci-fi costume and loadout, or just something you dress up in once in a while for fun!

Booth Info
- Thrift Half- $20 (1 entry & prize ticket, 1 chair, half of an eight foot table)
- Display Booth- $30 (2 entrys & prize tickets, 2 chairs, 1 eight foot table)
- Vendor Booth- $50 (2 entrys & prize tickets, 2 chairs, 2 eight foot tables)
- All Booths are eligible to sell items, but are responsible for managing their own sales. Any booth attendee failing to abide by selling laws or policies will be kicked out without refund.
- Register your booth EARLY so you can get a better spot at the expo!

So mark your calendars with the second annual Wisconsin Airsoft Expo - 2008. The Expo is a great place to meet other airsoft enthusiasts and see what the sport has to offer.

If you are interested in running a booth for your business/team/event/organization please contact the Expo Committee by visiting www.wisconsinairsoft.com and sending us an email.

New Upcoming Events

2008-04-30T21:11:00.010-05:00

May
3: Indoor and Outdoor Skirmish at Conquest in Sunbury, Ohio
Come out to Conquest for an indoor and outdoor skirmish. Fee to play is $20 and the game goes from 9am until 6pm. Maximum indoor fps is 350, outside is 500.

4: Skirmish at Mad Cow Paintball in Louisville, Neb.
Game starts at 9:30am at the Mad Cow Field.

18: OP: Multicode at Arcadia, Ohio
This event has had its date changed to Sunday, the 18th. Please check here for more info and change your calender accordingly.

18: OP: TBD at Davison, Mich.
Not much info announced on this one yet. Game fee is $20 and will last 8 or more hours. The storyline and name are yet to be announced but you can RSVP here.

31: OP: Liberate Tutame Ex Inferis at Realms of Ruin Paintball in Cluster Park, Ill.
This game is a zombie game and has not officially announced yet. Breech, who is running the event is checking to see if anyone is interested in attending on the Illinois Airsoft Association forums. The cost will be $25 and the game will run for 5 or 6 hours. If you would be willing to attend or want to know more information or the rules, click here.

June
1: OP: High Impact 4 at "the farm" in Bloomington Ind.
Help celebrate 10 years of I.M.P.A.C.T. airsoft gaming by shooting your friends at this event!

Mission Briefing: A group of hired rogue terrorists have stolen top secret documents regarding the Chinese government from the US. These terrorists have been hired by a terrorist organization known only as F.M. The F.M. has acquired mercenaries from around the world and there is reason to believe that even a few US soldiers have been acquired. These soldiers are intelligent and dangerous. The documents contain information that could prove the Chinese government guilty of crimes here in the US. This is also something that the UN is very interested in looking at as well. This could affect our economy and our world as we currently know it.

Event fee is $5 per player and covers the cost of a raffle ticket and props during play. Joker's Airsoft Supply store has donated an AGM Shart-Shooter airsoft rifle as a raffle prize and will be given away to one lucky attendee. The game will last 1-5 hours depending on attendance and will follow both Indiana Airsoft Association and I.M.P.A.C.T. rules. For waivers, rules, and more info, click here.

13-15: For Life and Liberty 1 - The Fall from Grace at Wisconsin Dells, Wisc.
The Guerilla Airsoft Tactics team have announced a scenario weekend for June 13-15. This is the first game their team has hosted and it sounds like it is coming along well. The game will be hosted at a 60 acre field in the Wisconsin Dells area.

The United States has been attacked!!!

The major cities have been seized!!

Fighting in the street rages from coast to coast!!

The N.P.A. has pushed as far as Central Wisconsin and has begun to secure the area. Their goal is to turn any uncontrollable areas into Nuclear wastelands. W.U.R.M., backed by a small unit of New United States Special Forces, resist the N.P.A. and fight for the perseverance of the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the American way of life.

The N.P.A. Plague is Spreading!!

This is a weekend long event with on site camping available. Arrive Friday evening for BBQ, bonfire, and introductions. This event costs $35-50 depending on what team you register for, please note that you must be over 16 to attend and that Bio-BBs are required to play on the field. For waivers and rules, check out the G.A.T. site.

Spring/Summer 2008 Skirmish and Event Schedule

2008-04-28T01:42:00.018-05:00

Upcoming games and events in the Midwest. Click on an event names for more information and rules on each individual event. Events are added weekly if available, so check back for updates often.

May:
3: Operation 115 at Springfield, Ohio
3: Backyard Tactical Training Open Game at N. Royalton, Ohio
3: Hunting Pablo: Redux at Realms of Ruin Paintball in Cluster Park, Ill.
3: Indoor and Outdoor Skirmish at Conquest in Sunbury, Ohio
4: Walsh Farms Open Play at Doylestown, Ohio
4: The Riots at The Wargame Room in Batavia, Wisc.
4: Operation: Big Fish at Lakeshore Airsoft in Fruitport, Mich.
4: Swap and Skirmish at Elm, Mo.
4: Skirmish at Independence, Mo.
4: Skirmish at Mad Cow Paintball in Louisville, Neb.
10: WG Skirmish at Kalona, Iowa
10: MAA Open Session at Special Forces Paintball in Buffalo, Minn.
12: Backyard Tactical Training Open Game at N. Royalton, Ohio
16-18: Operation: Killing Field at Mad Cow Paintball in Louisville, Neb.
17: Skirmish at Middlebury, Ind.
17: Boot Camp at The Wargame Room in Batavia, Wisc.
17: WAA Airsoft Evaluation Course at Apocalypse Paintball in Poynette, Wisc.
18: OP: Multicode at Arcadia, Ohio
18: The Battle For Breeland at Apocalypse Paintball in Poynette, Wisc.
18: Operation Honor Flight at Red Dragon Paintball in Hammersville, Ohio
18: OP: TBD at Davison, Mich.
18: Skirmish at Paintball Valley in Nashville, Ind.
21: Wichita Airsoft Squad Competition at The Edge Paintball in Wichita, Kans.
24: Operation: Close-out at The Wargame Room in Batavia, Wisc.
30: Operation: Stealing Freedom 2 at Blast Camp Paintball in Hobart, Ind.
31: Walsh Farms Weekend Long Open Play at Doylestown, Ohio
31: Event Code Name: Hot Sauce at Mattawan, Mich.
31: WWII Skirmish at Special Forces Paintball in Buffalo, Minn.
31: OP: Liberate Tutame Ex Inferis at Realms of Ruin Paintball in Cluster Park, Ill.

June:
1: OP: High Impact 4 at "the farm" in Bloomington Ind.
6: Star Wars Episode 2: Attack of ... at The Wargame Room in Batavia, Wisc.
7: Operation Overlord at Chardon, Ohio
7: Operation Live Trigger at Mission Creek Paintball in Hinckley, Minn.
8: Operation: Gold Rush 2 at Davison, Mich.
13: Midwest Sniper Cup at Schoolcraft, Mich.
13-15: For Life and Liberty 1 - The Fall from Grace at Wisconsin Dells, Wisc.
21: Operation Watchtower: Guadalcanal at Hole in the Wall Paintball in Bangor, Mich.
26-27: OP: Red Storm Rising II at Blast Camp Paintball in Hobart, Ind.
28: MKAEE at Battlefront Paintball in Hubbard, Ohio

July:
12-13: Blood Dynasty II at Davison, Mich.
19: OP: Dirty Sandbox at Springfield, Ohio
19-20: Operation: Last Resort at Hole in the Wall Paintball in Bangor, Mich.

August:
2: Operation: Ranch Hand at Hole in the Wall Paintball in Bangor, Mich.
3: Wisconsin Airsoft Expo in Wakusha, Wisc.
9-10: Codename: Thunder IV at Sherwood Forest Paintball in LaPorte, Ind.
16: Operation Black Eagle at Mattawan, Mich.
25: Backyard Tactical Training Open Game at N. Royalton, Ohio
30: Operation: Fallen Angel at Hole in the Wall Paintball in Bangor, Mich.

Weekend Catch-up

2007-10-24T13:22:00.000-05:00

Sorry about the delay in posting but I have had some internet trouble recently. The weekend has gone by successfully and you can find some pictures from the Broken Allegiance III game here.

A note to any of you Minnesotan players, the Minnesota Airsoft Association's message board is down but please check the Warehouse Airsoft forums if you're looking for an event this weekend.

We're slowly managing to get our media up from BATC and the next couple posts will be about that. I lost my high speed access for a while due to some cable problems but I am back to uploading it.

Weekend Events 10-19-07

2007-10-19T23:06:00.000-05:00

20. First Force Airsoft Public Game at Chatfield, Minn.
This is an open game hosted by First Force Airsoft. The price to play is $10, and you must be over 15 years old to join in. Game start is 11AM and ends at 6PM

20: Team Survival at Conquest in Sunbury Ohio
This event may take place in both indoor and outdoor settings, so be prepared for either. It costs $15 to play and the game starts at 10AM.

20-21: Operation Outbreak at Blast Camp Paintball in Hobart, Ind.
This is a two day long event, it costs $50 for the weekend or $30 for a single day. This is a zombie game and has very specific rules, please check the thread for more details. Also be advised that there will be a night game, so come prepared. Game starts at 8AM Saturday.

20-21: Broken Allegiance III at Cambridge, Iowa
This game takes place in a futuristic civil war setting. If you have not already registered it costs $70 at the door. Please check the website for rules and camouflage information. Camping is available for free on site.

21: Black Sunday at Conquest in Sunbury Ohio
The fee for this event is $15, and it includes open play and a swap meet. Open play will be all day long with the swap meet starting at 10AM and ending at 1:30PM.

21: Trouble at the Syrian Chemical Arms Plant, The Wargame Room in Batavia, Wisc.
Game briefing starts at 11AM with the game running from noon until 4PM. The fee to play is $15 and there will be supplies available for sale at the location. Please bring multiple sets of uniforms as they will designate the teams.

New Games to Announce

2007-10-17T20:12:00.000-05:00

We've got a handful of new games to announce this week. Click the name of each game for more information.

October:
20: Team Survival at Conquest in Sunbury Ohio
27: Skirmish at West Concord, Minn.
27: MOA Rec Game at Mattawan, Mich.

November:
3: Operation Outbreak at Conquest in Sunbury Ohio
10: Operation 111 at Springfield, Ohio

As always, please RSVP with the event coordinator if you plan on attending one of these events.

Weekend Games Review

2007-10-15T19:39:00.000-05:00

This was a pretty busy weekend with lots of major games to report about.

The Minnesota Airsoft Association's BATC event was a huge success and you can find some pictures taken by ISAAC here. We'll have our own media covering this event sometime soon.

Everyone seems to have had a great time at OP: Pill Box Island over in Indiana, we found some pictures from the event here.

Operation: Flash Fire II looks like it had a good turn out, check out some pictures in the thread as well as some more here. We have heard about some safety problems with the field this game was played on and we would advise anyone attending future events at the Bangor, Mich. field to be aware of these conditions. Some players have reported unsafe structures with sharp nails sticking out as well as large unmarked holes around the field. The event host, CantoXII, is quoted saying:

We are sorry for the poor condition of the event field for this event, all complaints will be taken into consideration and used to improve the field for future events.

BATC Day 2

2007-10-15T00:19:00.000-05:00

I just now got back from the BATC event over in Ham Lake, so I apologize for the late post. The morning started off with a bit of training on calling out spotted enemies, which was one of the weaker areas of the recruits. They ran a few drills around the main camp area trying to spot hidden Opfor members in the bushes and call them out in a manner that everyone in their team would understand. After a bit of practice with that they worked on setting up a perimeter that would make sure there was no gap in line of sight of their area.

During this time, many of the Opfor members were setting up the field for the final mission. The recruits received their orders; A missile had fallen into enemy hands and had to be recovered and removed at all costs. Unfortunately, the missile had split into two parts and they had to find a way to prevent both sections from being used by the enemy. This gave the recruits an opportunity to work on planning the event a bit and let them stray from following a scripted engagement.

Once they headed into the field they were under heavy attack, each squad would take defensive positions and slowly move their way to the objective while holding the Opfor at a distance. As the recruits headed for the first objective, they had no idea where the incoming attack would be coming from as they were surrounded by deep woods on every side. This really encouraged them to cover their rear and sides while still pushing forward and engaging the enemy.

Eventually they took both objectives and headed back to the main camp to take off all of their gear for the last time and get ready for lunch. During lunch I had a chance to talk to many of the recruits about their experiences at BATC and what they learned during this weekend. I don't think there any of them had regrets on coming to the event, and most were excited to bring back all of their new knowledge to their home field or teach their other airsoft buddies.

After lunch there was a testing process to see what everyone learned and finally a graduation ceremony. The Cadre and Opfor were very impressed with the overall progress of the recruits and had the group who made it to the end of the event graduate from BATC. Once the graduation ceremony was complete, everyone packed up and headed for home.

So now I'm left with over 3 hours of video and more then 400 pictures to sort through and upload to the internet, plus a massive craving for sleep. So please bear with us as we get more media uploaded sometime tomorrow.

BATC Day 1 Evening Wrap-up

2007-10-13T22:07:00.000-05:00

We're closing down here at BATC after an intense night game. The Opfor positioned themselves in the field once it hit dark and awaited the recruits to ambush them during their mission. Each recruit was fitted with a small green glowstick on their back, and if they were hit during play they had a bright flashing red light to signal they had been killed. Once they get hit, they would turn the light on and head for a Cadre member who had blue glowsticks to signal a deployment point.

After a short discussion on playing at night we headed out into the field. Unfortunately it was pitch black and we were unable to get any pictures of the game. However, we did get some weak nightvision footage with a video camera and will have that online soon.

The game itself was thrilling; the recruits were to move to a position, hold there for a bit, then work their way back. The Opfor was waiting along the way, loaded with tracer rounds and ready to shoot them. As the recruits headed to the mission point the path was lit up by single glowing LEDs every 75 feet. They would move tactically up the path until they heard movement or confirmation of the enemy. Once they came into contact they would break into defensive positions and work as a team to take the enemy down. Some would lay suppressive fire while others would move to a better vantage point and see if they could get a visual on the target.

This went on for about a half hour until the Opfor was done with harassing them on the path and setup at their objective. Once the recruits got close they opened up with tracers flying everywhere. One of the trickier Opfor was waiting with a gas pistol close to the path, and unlike the others on his team he wasn't loaded with tracers and was able to stealthily eliminate a good number of recruits. After a respawn or two the recruits had taken the point and started to move into defensive positions as they held it. They took a few attacks but held out fairly well, one of the Opfor attempted to sneak up on them but they lit him up with a flashlight when they couldn't get a visual due to the low light.

After holding for a bit and making sure everyone was full on ammo and ready for more action, they made there way back to camp. Everyone moved into position swiftly and worked well together. Once we got back we had a short recap on the night and it was time to relax a bit before light's out.

Check back tomorrow morning for more coverage on this event.

BATC Day 1 Afternoon

2007-10-13T18:14:00.000-05:00

After lunch we headed back out to the field. The recruits were told to defend a campfire site. Once they got the feel of defending an area they moved on to techniques for recon and advancement.

The two squads would work together to move into position to attack an area. One of the key techniques they were taught was keeping a man to guard the rear position and move up the line to report to the leader. They practiced advancing on a couple of the Opfor who were bunkered down on a hilltop position.

After a little skirmish with the Opfor, the recruits headed back to load up some more ammo and got ready to go onto the main event of the afternoon, "the long walk."

This part of the event had the recruits moving around the area in formations they had learned during the weekend, while the Opfor were hidden in the woods ready to ambush them. If a recruit got shot they would move back to the Cadre members until they were able to reinsert. At points during this time the recruits would lose quite a few of their numbers and had to hold out until reinforcements were able to deploy. Other times they would run low on ammo and have to move into a defending position while members took turns refilling their mags.

Once dinner is finished, we're heading back out for the night event, as the recruits face off against the Opfor in their home territory at night. The tension is pretty thick here as the new guys try to prove themselves against the more experienced members who have the terrain advantage but lower numbers.

We got some great video footage during this time and will have it uploaded sometime on Sunday night after the event finishes. So keep checking back for more coverage.

BATC Day 1 Morning

2007-10-13T12:36:00.000-05:00

This morning started out with a safety briefing before exercises started. Erik Pakieser, the commandant of BATC, lead the briefing and went over how to handle the weapons. He tested the recruits on the various parts of an airsoft gun and made sure they knew their weapon. After showing them each part of an airsoft rifle, he demonstrated firing positions and reloading techniques.

Once the briefing was finished, the recruits were tested by standing in a line and moving into positions as called by the Cadre. They were told to stand, crouch, go prone, reload and fire. Once they had the positions down, we took a break to grab loaded mags and get ready for a live fire practice. At the end of the field was a line of targets hanging by the lake. Each recruit would now practice these stances in the same line position, except this time they would be testing how quick they could move without losing accuracy.

After that, the recruits lined up for a Rolling Thunder drill. For those of you who aren't familiar with the term, all of the recruits lined up and shot at the targets the Cadre yelled at them. While the first person in line shoots, the next prepares for his turn at the drill. Once the recruits got into a smooth firing sequence, they added more targets to the list and finished the event off with a "mad minute," where all of the recruits shot at the targets until they fell or ran out of ammo.

After a short break, there was another briefing about communication as a squad. The Cadre demonstrated some hand signal techniques and talked about the importance of good communication in an operation. Afterwards they discussed cover and concealment and the importance of it during battle. The recruits were shown different techniques to move around while keeping themselves under the maximum amount of cover possible.

The recruits then partnered up and were sent into a drill on covering each other while they move. Laying in the field were sets of logs and the recruits were to move up one at a time until they reached then end. While one of the partners moved, the other would pretend to lay covering fire down the field. Once they had practiced this technique for a while, it was time to move to the real field and test what they had learned.

We took a small hike into a wooded area where the rest of the Opfor had setup firing positions. The recruits broke into small groups and were to overtake these positions while the Opfor fired upon them. When the recruits would fire back, the Opfor were to stop shooting until the recruits ceased firing. Once the recruits got used to their two-man teams, they were to try it as a full squad. With all six members of each team working together, you could noticeably see how much quicker and easier it was for them to overtake the Opfors position.

After that we broke for lunch, and we'll soon head out to the field for another six hours for squad tactics. Check back later for more updates on this event!

Evening at the BATC

2007-10-12T22:56:00.000-05:00

The evening started with shakedowns of each of the recruit's equipment. Once they confirm that they have the checklist of items needed for the weekend, they are able to have some social time with the other recruits. Many people used this time to check their ammo supplies and refill their mags.

After everyone was checked into the event, the staff held an orientation detailing what everyone was to expect this weekend. They also introduced each member of the Cadre, and how they got involved with the BATC events.

The orientation went on to a discussion of the Minnesota Airsoft Association's safety rules and policies. Recruits were able to skip this event but they would be tested on it later before they pass the BATC standards. Key safety subjects included public safety, equipment, proper hydration, and heat related sickness. During this time, rules for calling hits as well as surrender and parley guidelines were explained.

Tomorrow is going to be welcomed with an early start, as the recruits get their equipment together and prepare for their first day of training.

Arrival at BATC!

2007-10-12T18:29:00.000-05:00

Midwest Airsoft is on the scene at the Minnesota Airsoft Association's BATC event in Ham Lake, Minn.

The BATC is the Basic Airsoft Training Course. It is a weekend long event that teaches "tactics, leadership, and teamwork" to area airsofters.
The goal of the course is to teach skills needed to play in large scale airsoft games.

In charge of the event is Erik Pakieser, a Minnesota airsoft player and Safety Officer of the Minnesota Airsoft Association. He leads a group titled the Cadre, a group of skilled airsoft players that have good leadership and teaching abilities. Many of the members of the Cadre have previous military experience and they bring these skills into teaching others to better themselves as airsoft players.

While this may sound a bit intimidating to some airsoft players, the main goal of the weekend is just to have a good time. Mr. Pakieser is reminded of previous recruits who look back on their BATC experience as the most bbs they've ever shot at a single event. Some of these players have such a good time that they come back the next year and retake the course. One of the new problems with the event is that there are too many players who wish to retake the course but they need to make room for newer players. In order to keep it fair, BATC has introduced a policy where returning players have to wait at the bottom of the list until new players have gotten their chance.

While we're getting set-up on location you can familiarize yourself with a list of events we'll be covering. Here is a rundown of the weekend:

Day 0: Friday
1400 Site opens for Cadre
1600 Site open for Recruit Check-In
2000-2030 Rollcall, Orientation, Safety, Roster Assignments
2030-2130 Remedial SCC
2130-2200 Personal Time
2200 Lights Out

Day 1: Saturday
0630-0730 Wakeup & Breakfast

0730-0900 AEG Skills
-Shooting Positions
-Tactical Reloading
-AEG Course of Fire
-Immediate Action Drills
-Rolling Thunder

0900-1000 Communications
-Using a Radio
-Reporting enemy activity
-Hand/Arm Signals
-Practical Exercise

1000-1200 Individual Tactical Training
-Camouflage, Cover & Concealment
-Tactical Movement
-Live Fire Combat Lanes

1200-1230 Lunch

1230-1830 Team & Squad Patrol, Assault, and Defense
-Team & Squad Movement
-Actions on Contact
-Area Defense
-Assault
-Live Fire Patrolling Exercise ("The Long Walk")

1830-1900 Dinner
1900-Dusk Night Ops Prep and Cadre Review
Dusk-EndEx: Live FireNight Ops Exercise

Day 2: Sunday
0630-0730 Wakeup & Breakfast
0730-0900 Tactical Review
0900-1200 Evaluated Live-Fire Squad Combat Exercise
1200-1300 Lunch
1300-1400 Skill Testing & Cadre Review
1400-1600 Site Recovery
1600 Graduation & Dismissal

Weekend Events 10-13-07

2007-10-12T13:20:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone is ready for an exciting weekend. Here is a list of events in the area.

Please note that the Open Skirmish at Warehouse Airsoft in Delano, Minn. has been canceled due to lack of players.

13: Operation Blinded Peace at Tiffin, Ohio
This is a free event with rules based on the popular video game "Gears of War." Registration begins at 9 AM, game ends at 1 AM Sunday. Please come equipped to play at night.

13: Operation: Flashfire II at Bangor, Mich.
Airsoft Armory and Hole in the Wall Paintball bring you this airsoft event. Walk on fee is $20 and you must be 14 years old to play. Briefing is at 10:30 AM with game times at 11 AM through 6 PM Saturday, and 10 AM through 3 PM Sunday. If you're 18+ stick around for the after party!

13: Operation: Pill Box Island at Lafayette, Ind.
Game starts at 10AM, briefing at 9:30. Fee to play is $10. You must be 16+ to play in this game.

13: Devils Knight at Fox Paintball in Millington, Ill.
Registration starts at 9 AM and there is a mandatory safety meeting at 10 AM. The at-the-door fee for this event is $35. Please keep in mind that standard players are limited to only one hi-cap magazine, though you may bring as many mid or low-caps as you like.

13: Eagle's Shield II at Dragons Lair in Fort Atkinson, Wisc.
This is an 18+ event, with exceptions to 15+ with proper safety gear. Event checking is at 8:30 AM with the game start at 10 AM. This is a non-stop event with a lunch break, event end will be agreed upon at the game.

14: Black Sunday at Conquest in Sunbury Ohio
This event costs $15. Game start is at 10 AM and will go all day. Bring your old equipment to trade with others!

14: Open Play at Doylestown, Ohio
There is no electricity at this event, so come charged and ready. Fee for this event is $5.

14: Operation Plague at Apocalypse Paintball in Poynette, Wisc.
Registration is at 8 AM with the game starting at 10 AM. The event costs $30 to attend. This event has very specific rules so check out the website for more details.

Midwest Airsoft is going to be attending a special event held by the Minnesota Airsoft Association this weekend so check back for more information on this event as we post updates this weekend.

New Upcoming Airsoft Games

2007-10-10T17:07:00.000-05:00

Here are some newly announced events happening in the area, please RSVP with the event coordinator if you plan on attending.

October:
13: Open Skirmish at Warehouse Airsoft in Delano, Minn.
14: Black Sunday at Conquest in Sunbury Ohio
14: Open Play at Doylestown, Ohio
20: Team Survival at Conquest in Sunbury Ohio
20: First Force Airsoft Public Game at Chatfield, Minn.
21: Black Sunday at Conquest in Sunbury Ohio
21: MOA Rec Game at Mattawan, Mich.
28: Open Play at Mad Cow Paintball in Louisville, Neb.

November:
3: Op: Fallen Star - November Dawn at Hammersville, Ohio

December:
8: Operation: Shadowsword at Conquest in Sunbury Ohio(maybe)
15: Operation: Battle of the Bulge at Mattawan, Mich.

To see a list of previously announced events, please check our Fall 2007 Midwest Skirmish and Event Schedule.

Airsoft in the News

2007-10-09T15:13:00.000-05:00

Probably the biggest news involving Airsoft this week is that Minneapolis, Minn. has passed a law to restrict the carry of "fake guns." This law was passed to decrease the amount of crimes involving airsoft guns as well as incidents where people report a firearm in public when seeing a toy gun.
Replicas that are not affected by this law are ones that are brightly colored or transparent, as well as if they have a bright orange tip.

An incident in Wisconsin has some teens in trouble. Police were called after a young girl reported being shot at while hiking in the woods, and they arrested a group of teenagers who has been playing with airsoft guns. Events like this can be easily avoided if you act responsibly with your airsoft gun and play in a designated area where no one can accidentally walk into your game.

We also came across an article about keeping noise levels down during play at night or dark conditions. It has some good tips for how to stay concealed by not letting noise give away your position.

And finally a fun article about airsoft, this was written by the Winnipeg Free Press but I thought it was still pretty relevant to Midwestern play. It shows a very positive side of airsoft and hopefully gets new people involved in the game.

Weekend Games Review

2007-10-08T23:38:00.000-05:00

Welcome back from your games, I hope everyone has had a great weekend.

We were unable to find pictures from many games this weekend but after searching the internet for a while we found some pictures taken at the Pistols Only game in Delano, Minn.
And we also found some pictures taken at the Arms Caches game in Watavia, Wisc.

Plus there is some video footage from Operation Plague.

If you have a link to any pictures taken at an airsoft event you have attended, please send them to us.

This coming weekend looks very promising and we should have some nice event coverage for you. Keep checking back for more updates!

Tactical Airsoft & MilSim Issue #2 is at the printers.

2007-10-07T23:42:00.001-05:00

Steve Keary has just sent us some information about the October issue of the Tactical Airsoft & MilSim magazine.

Tactical Airsoft & MilSim issue #2 is at the printers, and will be available October 15^th! This issue has 100 full color action packed pages!

Here is a glimpse of what is in Issue #2:

Master Sergeant “Mad Max” interview

Game Organizer: Using the EOD Role in MilSim Scenarios

Airsoft News

Ask the Master Sergeant

Field Recon: Advanced Tactical Compound

Recon Mission: Demolitions Expert/ Grenadier Role.

Northern Wind IV

Columbian Blend III

Blind Fury IV

Berget V

Tactical Throat Mic review

AAA Tactical Combat Vest

Li Po Battery Pack

Thumper TG-6 Training Flashbang

EOD Style Molle Chest Rig

AGX Holster

Noveske KX3 Flash Hider

Operator Plate Carrier

KWA KM4A1

Marushin M500 SSB

Mad Bull AGX Light

Mad Bull Patriot Long Kit

D Boy M4 CQBR

Project Spectre

Airsoft Engineering: Add 100 Feet to your M203’s rocket launching capability!

Battle of the Claymores!

Echo 1 M4 Tactical Carbine

AMBUSH! How to set up.

AMBUSH! React to ambush.

Spec Ops with Col. Longgrear

Ambush Training Drills

Build your own 3-D Moving Target!

3-D moving target drills!

Balloon training drills!

You can pre order yours today at www.tacticalairsoftmagazine.com, or you can visit your favorite airsoft retailer to purchase the magazine. Thanks!

-Steve Keary

Tactical Airsoft & MilSim

This sounds like a very exciting issue, and I personally can't wait to read the article about claymores as I was considering buying one myself. For those of you who aren't familiar with the magazine, it is a new publication based in the USA. Most of their articles are driven around MilSim style airsoft games and tactics. The new issue should be arriving at dealers soon and you can still pick up issue #1 over at AirSplat.com

Weekend Events 10-06-07

2007-10-05T22:55:00.000-05:00

Here are the upcoming events for the weekend of October 06, 2007

6th: Operation: High Impact III at Bloomington, Ind.

This event is held by Team I.M.P.A.C.T. and will be a free event. Arrive at 4PM and game time is 5PM through 10PM. Due to the late nature of this event, radios and flashlights are strongly recommended. For more information and rules about this event, please click here.

6th: Operation Buffalo, Con Thien in Sunbury, Ohio
The event registration starts at 9:30AM and costs $15. Game time is from 11AM through 5PM. You must be over 14 to play at this event and biodegradable balls are required. For FPS rules and more information, click here.

6th: Pistols Only at Warehouse Airsoft in Delano, Minn.
This event is from noon until 4PM and is $25. This is a handgun only event, full auto handguns are alright. For rules and waivers, please check http://www.warehouseairsoft.com

6th - 7th: Operation Tainted Wind at Cambridge, Ind.
This is a weekend long event and costs $50 if you have not already registered. Registration is from 6AM to 9AM. This is a very large event and there is a lot more information about it available here.

7th: Alma Airsoft Game at Alma, Neb.
This is a free game at a private field. The game starts at 10:30AM and will end whenever.

7th: MOA Rec Game at Mattawan, Mich.
This event starts at Noon and costs $7. For a waiver check http://www.military-ops-airsoft.org/

7th: Open Play at Doylestown, Ohio
This is a $5 event. Event starts at 9AM and there is no electricity at the field.

7th: Arms Caches at The Wargame Room in Batavia, Wisc.
Field opens at 9AM, game time is 11AM until 4PM. Cost is $15, supplies and snacks are also available for purchase. You must be 12 and older in order to play, barrel socks are also required.
For more information click here.

7th:Operation Plague at Fairchild, Wisc.

Game starts at 10AM, please arrive before 9:30AM for registration. All players must pay a fee of $30 and have proper identification. There are many specific rules for this event, for a list of rules and other information, click here.

Seems like a very busy weekend with a good spread across the Midwest. Good luck at whichever event you choose and remember to submit those pictures at content@midwestairsoft.net

New Airsoft Events to Announce

2007-10-03T15:06:00.000-05:00

Once again we have journeyed the internets to find all of your local games in the Midwest.
With so many games going on this fall it should be easy to find one or two near you. These events will also be added to our Fall Event List.

October:
6th: Operation Buffalo, Con Thien in Sunbury, Ohio
6th: Pistols Only at Warehouse Airsoft in Delano, Minn.
7th: Alma Airsoft Game at Alma, Neb.
7th: MOA Rec Game at Mattawan, Mich.
7th: Open Play at Doylestown, Ohio
13th: Eagle's Shield II at Dragons Lair in Fort Atkinson, Wisc.
27th: No Man's Land at The Wargame Room in Batavia, Wisc.
27th: Operation Diamondback at Mattawan, Mich.
28th: Operation: Area 51 - Blue Ray at Davison, Mich.

November:
3rd: WAA Airsoft Evaluation Course at Apocalypse Paintball in Poynette, Wisc.
10th: OP: Java Overdrive at Arcadia, Ohio

If you are planning on going to any of these events, please click on the above link and RSVP with the event coordinator.

Airsoft in the News

2007-10-02T01:27:00.000-05:00

This past week has brought a little attention in the media to airsoft guns and it's players.

In Garden City, Kansas, three high school football players were suspended for a day for possession of an airsoft gun on school property before their game. Link. This event lead to school board officials deciding what the proper punishment for bringing an airsoft gun to school would be as well as if an airsoft gun is considered a weapon. Link.

Later in the week, there were a couple incidents involving teens carrying airsoft guns in public in New Jersey and Iowa. Just a reminder: airsoft guns should not be displayed in public and it may be against your city laws to carry airsoft guns without a proper gun case.

In Santa Barbara, Cali. a man was arrested for wielding an airsoft gun in front of a supermarket. Police were able to apprehend him without anyone being hurt.

On Wednesday in Minneapolis, Minn, the Public Safety and Regulatory Services Committee approved an ordinance that would make it illegal to carry an airsoft gun in a public place in the city. Once the city council approves it, this law will go into affect.

And the Index-Journal writes an interesting story about the South Carolina Airsoft Association
and airsoft in general. This is a very cheerful piece and gives the general public a better idea of what airsoft is about.

Weekend Games Review

2007-09-30T18:22:00.001-05:00

The first official weekend of autumn has passed us and everyone seems to have had a good time at their events. If you have any detailed reports from your event, feel free to submit them.

Operation: Aurora had a great turnout and you can see some pictures from the event here and here.

On a side note, Operation: Clinging Darkness in Ohio has been canceled due to insurance reasons.

Duo Chan, the host of the event writes:
Players, roleplayers, staff members, I come today with bad news. Upon investigation of the new field in Tiffin, I have learned that the owner carries no paintball, nor airsoft insurance on the field... Seeing as a 1-day policy on the event would cost as much as a full rosters entry fees combined, that is not an option. I have scouted other fields in Ohio, none of which will permit all night play, or are not suited for the event scenario.

I deeply apologize from the depths of my heart for the trouble, but for your safety, and that of my staff, I can not bring myself to hold an event on a field without insurance. As you all should know, it's a danger to everyone on, or even near the field. All payment received to date shall be fully refunded, and the event is officially postponed until further notice.

We will continue to plan and organize the scenario until we obtain perfection, and you can be assured it will appear again in the future.

Again, I am so sorry for the trouble, and I hope you will all still trust me, and my staff, enough to attend the event in the future.

Thank you all for your time, and for your support.

Things like this are unfortunate but deciding to cancel rather then play without insurance is the right choice to make in this situation. All of us here at Midwest Airsoft wish you the best of luck with your next event.

Skirmish Pictures

2007-09-29T22:31:00.000-05:00

Here are a few shots we took this morning at a small skirmish over by Lexington, Minn. Thanks for having us out there and letting us get a few shots of you guys.

Please note that some of the images were staged, proper safety gear was worn during play.

To view all of the pictures from this event, click here.

If you have pictures from your own Airsoft event this weekend, send them to content@midwestairsoft.net and we'll make sure to post them. Please make sure to have the event name and get permission from anyone in the picture before submitting it.

Weekend Events 09-28-07

2007-09-28T23:40:00.000-05:00

Here are the upcoming events for the weekend of September 28th, 2007.

29th:
Backyard Tactical Training Open Game at N. Royalton, Ohio
This is a free game hosted by Backyard Tactical Training at a Private Field. Game time is from 11:00 AM through 8:00 PM.
For more information please click the above link of the event.

29th:

Mini-OP Quicksand II: MERCS at Warehouse Airsoft in Delano, Minn.
Doors open at 10:00AM and lock at 11:00AM, you must get the before 11:00AM if you want to play. Cost is $27 if you prepay, $30 at the door. There is a $5 discount to MAA members.
For rules and safety waiver, please click click here.

29th and 30th:

Operation Aurora at Mattawan, Minn.
Operation Aurora is a two day long event costing $30.00 for both days or $25.00 for one day.
Briefing on Saturday starts at 10:30 AM with the game beginning at 11:00 AM.
Game time Sunday is 11:00 AM through 7:00 PM

There is over 130 players confirmed for the event so far. Rental guns will be available at the event.
For rules and team information please click here.

30th:
Operation Aegis at Blast Camp Paintball in Hobart, Ind.
This event did not have a schedule or payment readily available, it is suggested that it will cost around $25 to play.
For more information on game time and other rules please click the above link or contact Blast Camp Paintball.

Midwest Airsoft hopes everyone has a great weekend and welcomes any debriefing of the events.
Pictures and video are very welcome.