An Open Letter to Jericho Airsoft.

An Open Letter to Jericho Airsoft

By no surprise to some I've decided to write an open letter to Jericho Airsoft while compiling sources for my other article on hearing safety in an Airsoft environment. Now, I don't pretend to represent the Airsoft community, I represent my team and I represent the people who I know agree with me. I try to be the voice for others, even if it is an unpopular one. And right now, I'm writing this open letter to Jericho Airsoft because of what they've stirred up recently. 

So, here it goes.

Jericho, 

I'm writing this letter to explain something very simple to you. You don't know me, you'll never get my business nor will I ever really be able to tell people to go to your field. All this for one, well two simple reasons. Firstly, I live in Canada, far beyond the Wall. I can't easily go to your field, no matter how much I want (or don't) want to. Secondly, you're crusading against something you don't understand, alienating a growing community and while trying to be the "Bigger man" have simply (Not literally, figuratively of course.) turned yourself into the Donald Trump of Airsoft. 

Yup, this ass-clown.

I dislike ignorance, and what I dislike even more than that is blind ignorance. Several times on both of your Instagram photos about banning Speedsoft you've been asked by a myriad of people: 

"What is Speedsoft?" 

And your reply? Well, nothing short of horribly short sighted. You straight up ignored my questions several times; to others you responded with Trump-esque comments like:

"yes, of course I know what a speedsofter is. It's a wart on the arse of airsoft."

Seriously? That's a non-answer. You've clearly shown you don't know what Speedsoft is, and shown you have an exceptional lack of knowledge with the sport of Airsoft in general. So, it's time to bring you to school on the subject.

Airsoft, at its core; like Paintball is A sport where you play in competition with other players; aiming to get them "Out". Nothing more, nothing less. Military simulation is a division in that sport, something that SOME people like doing, but not everyone. It is not the sport, nor is it the defining characteristic of the sport. 

You should know this, you've operated a field for how many years? A lot more ex-paintballers are coming into Airsoft now, driven by it's cheaper pricing and ease of recreation as a sport. Everything is cheaper in Airsoft, right down to the pricing of the parts. I'm an ex-paintballer, part of the reason I love it is because it's affordable. More than that though is the need to have more technically proficient gear. 

When I say "Technically Proficient" I mean exactly what it sounds like. Guns that are DSG'd for CQB, rifles that are modified and made so that their trigger pull is sensitive for certain environments. Rifles that are designed for range and accuracy, and even rifles that are HPA driven like PolarStar, Tippmann's and SMPs. These are endemic to both Speedsoft and Milsim, not just Speedsofters. 

Here's the kicker. You're crusading against Speedsoft, but have told absolutely no one what your crusade entails. From what I can tell you're crusading against High ROF, overshooting and general rule breaking. I'll be the first and hopefully last one to say this.

THAT ISN'T ENDEMIC TO SPEEDSOFT!!!

But, of course you're not going to listen. Simply because you don't know what Speedsoft is. So, I'll explain gently:

Speedsoft is a mentality, it's a way of playing that doesn't require you to have a ridiculously high ROF. It's a way of tactically assessing situations and reacting based on the "Risk vs. Reward" outcome. Speedsoft comes in all shapes and sizes, from big guys like me who run the M249 to small lanky kids running G&G CM16's. 

Speedsoft is NOT the rifle you play. It is not PolarStar, SMP or Tippmann. It is not overshooting, it is not breaking the rules. That is called Bad Sportsmanship. I'll give you a recent example:

Our team was at a 12 hour MILSIM Op. We were tasked with forcing our way into a building, taking out the OPFOR and taking control. We ran into an equal force, and they cheated. They didn't call their hits; tried to call ours and overshot us when we screamed out. They had the audacity to threaten us and try to call the game theirs, all when their team was losing. The kicker? They weren't Speedsofters. They played like shit, they stuck themselves out of cover and flailed about screaming at us to call non-existent hits. They were, by all definition the kind of guys you strive to cater too. 

Our team? We're a mix of both Milsim oriented and Speedsoft oriented players. We've got two fireteams. One that ambushes, plays high-risk and one that finds their way in, embeds and takes care of the support functions. We've got a spear and a shield. This is what Speedsofters represent on the field. The spear. 

A good team, regardless if pick-up or otherwise will always have people that can move fast, fearlessly and be aggressive when they're on the field. People who remember, hey it's a game and I won't actually die. I can afford to get a 5 for 1 deal. Guys who won't be afraid to walk the line and spray at people with a M249 while being mobile. A good team will divide themselves by their talents and weaknesses. A good team will adapt, overcome and destroy the other teams that play similar. 

As more paintballers come into Airsoft you'll see how we play and think we're "Speedsofters" when in fact, we're just displaying years of practice in environments where we had to be close because we didn't have the range airsoft does. You'll see us running, bunkering and making decisions based on that split second. Why? Because it's how we play and think. You'll see us running stock class rifles, without any upgrades. Why? Well, the ROF on an Airsoft rifle with an 11.1 is much faster atypically than the fastest speedball marker, and most of us are used to playing semi anyways. 

Jericho, you're so quick to make a decision on how Speedsofters are a blight on Airsoft, when you fail to realize that we're not the minority you think we are. There's a lot of us that have this mentality, a lot of us play that Milsim game. We play objectives, we hold them and fight until the bitter end. Our skill level is beyond average to the common player when in a CQ environment and the way we perceive things differs from the average player, simply because we're not afraid of getting "Out."

Because...It's a game, and you can't ignore that. 

You want to crusade against something? Fine, I won't stop you. For the love of all that is good though stop crusading against a whole entire community that emphasizes skill over equipment. Stop crusading against a community that has people who are very involved in the Milsim environment as a whole. Crusade against the rule breakers, whether they be based in Milsim or Speedsoft. Crusade against the assholes who seek to make our sport dishonest. 

And the kicker? 

Our side won that OP. My team held one critical side for well over 7 hours in that 12 hour OP. We pushed them into their own spawn throughout this six hours, to the point where Game control had to call in a Juggernaut for them. And why did this happen? It didn't happen because we all ran full tilt into them at the start of the game, it didn't happen because we cheated or played unfairly. We didn't use better rifles. No, we used a mix of good teamwork and very talented players on both the Speedsoft and Airsoft side to get the job done. We had our teams operate the way they needed too in order to get the objectives.

You ban Speedsofters and you lose teams that have the ability to foster and grow that individual talent into amazing players that provide great experiences on the field. You ban Speedsofters and you effectively stand for splitting the sport in two, for dividing what shouldn't be divided.

I will never turn down a Speedsofter or a Milsim player from my team. I'll never turn down someone who isn't good, because that person always has the potential to become good with the right team. I've personally brought in many people who've come in fresh to both Paintball and Airsoft and I've seen them grow and become better players who dominate over the competition because of the way we've taught them to play. 

So finally, as an open letter to every Airsofter out there, and especially to Jericho.

Whether you play a GBBR, a Pistol, a P* or a regular stock rifle. You've got the ability to decide how you want to play. You can be a Speedsofter, a Milsim player or even a Comms officer in the back 40. 

Whether you come from Paintball or are starting new in Airsoft, you define who you are as a player by your actions on the field. You should never be defined by anything less than how you play and how sportsmanlike you are. 

Whether you see it as a game or a simulation you've always got room to grow and improve and shouldn't be banned because of how you want to play. 

Sincerely, 

CO-3 Juice

Covert Ops Airsoft 

Tis the Season for...CQC?

An inside look on CQC, Personal Protection Equipment and checking the attitude at the door. 

So, it's that time of year again for us Canadians. It's getting cold, our GBBR's are throwing their usual fits and Airsofters nationwide are beginning to shirk at the idea of playing outdoors. Thankfully, for the select few of us who live within or close to major cities we have the option more often than not to move indoors. 

In SouthWestern Ontario we enjoy a wide variety of places to play indoors. Siege, Mach-1 and Ultimate Airsoft to name a few. However, this article isn't about Canada or how mind-numbingly cold and difficult Airsoft is to play in the winter, it's about moving indoors to the CQC arena with the proper personal protection equipment. Otherwise known as PPE in the industrial circle. It's also to touch base on the importance of checking your attitude at the door.

I've been playing Airsoft for years, why is this important to me?

This is important to everyone, not just the rookies...Why though? Simply put, as a veteran or a rookie, you'll be playing with a myriad of players. From the hardcore milsim type, to the loose and fast speedsofters who prefer mayhem and magic over tactics and control. It's important to remember that no one way of playing is correct, and that you're being thrown into an arena where only RoF can be controlled, not play style. This means you will be bunkered, or even have a whole team of guys descend upon you Planet of the Apes style. 

More importantly, it's essential to go over the basics. It doesn't matter if you're seasoned or not. More often than not we allow our experiences to cloud our judgement. We allow things that normally wouldn't be looked past, to be looked past. Things like proper PPE and the attitude you bring to the field, especially where newer players are concerned. 

Attitude

"Attitude is a little thing, that makes a big difference."

Winston Churchill

I'm opting to write about attitude first for a few reasons. Firstly, because I believe that the attitude of you and your team is going to decide the outcome of your day. Whether it be as a rookie or as a seasoned vet, you always need to check your attitude at the door. More so in CQC environments than outdoors. Why though?

In an outdoors environment you can mostly play that attitude off, it's at distance and you're less likely to be steamed up about something, and more less likely to do something about it. More often than not you won't be face to face with someone who is making your ego scream out loud. While it's important to check the ego and attitude at the door in any game, in CQC environments it can quickly go from attitude to full-blown man (or woman) child in a matter of seconds. 

The second reason I want to write about attitude is because, to me it seems like the airsoft community as a whole is VERY passive-aggressive. There's a lot of posturing on doing things the "Right way" and everyone seems to think their way is right. I'll be very clear with this next statement. 

If you are someone who is passive-aggressive or hyper-aggressive, don't go into the CQC arena. 

 There's a good way to start conflict, it's either being hyper-aggressive on the field or being aggressive behind someones back. If you are the type of person who is more than willing to complain about someones behaviour off the field, rather than dealing with it then and there you're going to ruin the experience not only for yourself, but for those around you. No one wants to hear you complain about this, that and another thing. 

In addition, I'm a firm believer of what goes around comes around. If you complain behind someones back, whether it be complaining about another team, another person, etc. It will eventually go back to them. This in turn will create a lot of distrust and anonymity. Both things that are not good to have when you run face to face with said person in a CQC environment. 

Being Hyper-Aggressive is just as bad, if not worse. We can see this type of behaviours through YouTube and the videos of fights happening on the field. A famous and well known example is Jericho Airsoft. Hyper-aggressive behaviour is when you can't handle conflict, period. When you internalize it, let it combust like a HEMI V8 and explode. 

Best case scenario, you lose it and trash your own gear. Worst case scenario, you end up assaulting someone and being charged. There are plenty of people in Airsoft who are like this as well. The key is to know where your limits are. If you're the type of person who goes somewhere looking for a fight, you're going to find one when you play CQC, especially when you're mixing brain buckets around corners. 

So, when I say leave the attitude at the door, I mean it. Remember that Airsoft is a game, we're not super-serious NAVY Seals training to thwart ISIS. We're there to have fun, mix it up a bit and leave tired, but happy. Coming in with the attitude of having fun, knowing you're going to get hit and knowing it's all in good fun is key to CQC. 

It's important to use CQC as well as a training mechanism for your team. Use the opportunity to play counter to the other teams or individuals there. Find you're getting out-paced by the guys who play a more speed-centric game? Adjust for that, you've got all day. If there's time, work with them; most guys are more than willing to help. Likewise, they may enjoy your milsim type tactics and decide to incorporate them into their training. The CQC arena provides a rare opportunity to mix individuals and teams who normally may not play in proximity together. Keep your chin up, a smile on and make the best out of it. 

Personal Protection Equipment

"It's a very sobering feeling to be up in space and realize that one's safety factor was determined by the lowest bidder on a government contract."
Alan Shepard

This quote may seem a bit out of place at first...Think on it though. Are you using gear made by the cheapest manufacturer? Are your goggles cheap Lancer knock-offs with no markings whatsoever? 

Good equipment is almost mandatory when playing CQC. This is especially true when it comes to things like your goggles. The goggles you got off Evike for $15.00 may seem like a great deal, but will they hold up to BB's? More importantly, will they break in other places? 

I had the fortune last year while playing with the Direwolves at Ultimate Airsoft to see someones cheap knock off Lancers break at the clasp. The plastic piece that held the goggles to the strap shattered completely on impact with a BB. Thankfully No Duff was called and the person was taken clear of the field immediately; but that could have ended VERY badly if someone didn't realize it right away. 

Understand that when you play CQC, the distance between your muzzle and the other person is quite a bit smaller. As a result the velocity remains relatively consistent. Atypically what you feel is the full force of the rifle or pistol in question. This means there is far less room for error with regards to safety. If your goggles shatter, or your mesh mouthpiece breaks there is potentially only moments separating you from a missing tooth or an eyepatch. 

So, there you have it. Don't buy gear that is questionable. It's simple, right? Well, not really. Revision also apparently sells mesh goggles and masks. They're apparently designed for Airsoft...But...Are they really? 

This video by Evike shows us what happens to a mesh mask through both heavy and regular play, and the dangers that come with it. One would think companies that are reputable wouldn't sell dangerous gear right? This all falls down to the individual though, not the company. Through the video we can see that mesh masks and eyewear don't provide adequate protection to your eyes. All it takes is one shard from a plastic BB to be sheared off by the mesh, and you're blind. 

I don't know many blind people, but it's probably a safe bet that if you lose your eye-sight you'll have a hell of a time doing a lot of things with your life, including driving and possibly working. So, is it worth it to take the risk for the sweet, sweet rewards of no fog? 

Not even. 

Only use goggles that are ANSI Z-87.1 rated. Most paintball goggles fall under these ratings, but not all. Ballistics goggles are your best bet. Remember to have them be full seal, so that BB's don't ricochet and find their way to those precious baby blues. Never use mesh goggles, it's a ticking time bomb. 

Always, ALWAYS remember to wear your mesh lowers or your full-face mask though. BB's can easily dislodge teeth and leave huge lacerations on the face, lips and gums. If possible, wear a lower that'll cover the ears. Just last year I had the luck of seeing someone get a new piercing from an unprotected ear as a result of CQC. 

This may sound like the norm, but it's always important to go over even as a seasoned player. Remember to go over the gear with your team and young ones. Safety is always number one, not number two. If you don't have the proper gear make sure you have access to it. Things like gloves with hardened knuckles, kneepads, etc. all make GREAT PPE for indoors. After having taken a few off the knuckle myself, I will definitely be considering them as my next purchase! 

In closing, remember as the CQC season approaches that we need to put safety and fun at the forefront. We're playing a game, one that rapidly brings us closer together as we run into the CQC arena. In doing so we should recognize and respect that other people from all different walks of life and styles of play are going to be there. Don't hate, instead try to collaborate and work together with those people to make every CQC outing one to remember. 

Here's to a safe indoors season everyone!

CO-3 Juice