AIRSOFT SCOPES

This image can be found at www.defenceimages.mod.uk

This post is about a specific tactic I mentioned in my previous post. Camouflage has a very basic function in combat: hiding yourself and your equipment from the enemy. The origins of this art come from the natural ability of some animals to blend in with their surrounding environment.

Here, I’ll explain the basic idea of military camouflage so you can understand how it will help you have an advantage against your enemies on the airsoft battlefield.

The most basic camouflage is the conventional clothing with disruptive pattern worn by soldiers. There are two components of this elementary piece of equipment: pattern and colour.

In terms of colour, the idea is to wear dull colors that match the environment. For example, in the jungle camouflage is usually green and brown, because those are the main color of the surrounding foliage. Disruptive colors in a snowy environment would be white and gray. The norm is to also camouflage your face using the same colors.

The way these colors are patched on your clothing creates the second component of camouflage: pattern. The reason for using a specific pattern is to create a visually disruptive layout, which is difficult to discern because of human perception; we tend to categorize things around us as separate objects, so if somebody’s clothing colors and pattern match those of his surroundings, your brain will not be easily able to tell what is what in the scene.

So these are the basic concepts of camouflage. Now, how do you make use of this knowledge to create a tactical advantage for you and your unit? Well, the first thing is to get yourself military disruptive clothing, and complement your outfit with face camouflage.

Courtesy Of Flickr

When it comes to painting your face, your style will be unique. Sometimes you’ll      have good results with a certain pattern and stick with it. This is because face camouflage is an individual thing. You’ll learn something new every time you put it on. However, there are certain basic rules:

1. Do not use horizontal lines, as you’ll be an easy target for snipers.

2. Do not use a single color, all-black or all-green will stand out too easily.

The first step is to study the terrain around you, choose colors that will blend best with the environment. Sometimes you’ll have to work with another member of your team, unless you have a face paint case with an incorporated mirror.

It’s critical that you cover shiny areas, like your forehead, cheekbones, nose, ears and chin with a dark color. Shadow areas like underneath your nose, chin and around your eyes need to be painted with a light color.

If you’re moving across the battlefield, make sure you change your face camouflage as well; being badly camouflaged will make you an easy target – the same rule applies if you over-camouflage.

I’ve researched a large number of camouflage face paint kits, and the best out there in terms of price and reviews is the 4-color camouflage face paint kit from the U.S. Cavalry website – according to the U.S. Department of Defense, the 4-color camouflage face paint kit is the number one facial camouflage product for the Army, Navy Seals and Marines.

In the last post I talked about the equipment necessary to become an airsoft sniper. Now it’s time to talk a little about the techniques that the sniper needs to become an accurate shooter.

The most fundamental aspect of being a sniper is constant practice. The airsoft sniper has to practice their firing regularly, and by doing this they also become familiar with their weapon and its accuracy at various distances.

Another important technique is constant maintenance of the rifle. A soiled and dirty rifle will affect its accuracy and overall performance. Regular cleaning of the airsoft sniper rifle and scopes is something that cannot be dismissed or overlooked. Make sure you buy a manufacturer-approved gun cleaner, like silicone spray and use it every 3000-4000 shots.

Not only does the sniper have to carry their rifle, but also they need to carry a side arm in case there’s a close encounter with the enemy – perhaps a pistol or an automatic electric weapon. Extra ammunition for this sidearm is also a good idea.

Finally, the most critical skill a sniper has to master is stealth. An experienced sniper knows the terrain and its conditions. Foliage and other environmental features become part of the pre-battle check of the sniper. Thanks to all this preparation a smart sniper will be able to identify hideouts and plan their strategy in advance.

Moving through the battlefield has to be slow; the sniper has to watch their step all the time. If possible, they have to move as close to the ground as possible. Any sound caused by the sniper’s moves mean danger, as their position could be detected in no time. All these problems are often overcome by crawling and camouflage. The sniper should always look for solid, flat surfaces like rocks or packed dirt.

With these techniques, and all the basic equipment you are well on your way to become a precise and lethal sniper. A strong piece in the team, the sniper will definitely bring victory closer to the team that uses them wisely and effectively.