Faults of Playing Airsoft in the Philippines

Airsoft is defined as a goal-oriented, and mock play of military weapons using plastic pellets as ammunition, and firearm replica as the weapon. Nevertheless, since the game is competitive and dynamic in nature (because of the variety of game modes used to play airsoft), Airsoft has been considered as a sport, which has local and international competitions.

Airsoft is defined as a goal-oriented, and mock play of military weapons using plastic pellets as ammunition, and firearm replica as the weapon.

However, there are faults observed along lurking on Airsoft communities. Even though I am not yet playing the sport, and had been a part of the Reserves (which could be a good focal point for the sets of basis), it could be better if I lay them all down despite bashers call it a "noobish pulse". Whatever written here is merely an opinion from a military point of view.

1. Misusage of uniform

An anonymous airsoft group using the SRDU -- the black
digital camouflage currently used by the Army Scout
Ranger Regiment.

Here in the Philippines, there are many men who wish to become real soldiers... or to be a soldier for a day. However, Airsoft operators should consider the legislatures enforced on the respective countries you belong because the usage of military uniforms along civilians (or those who hadn't received proper military training) vary per country.

In the Philippines, a certain legislature known as RA 493 prohibits the misusage of military uniform, especially if the person is not affiliated in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and any military personnel (including reservists) does not receive any letter orders or legal orders to wear uniform on public places. Furthermore, misusage of uniform is a violation of the AFP Uniform Code. Regardless if the uniform will be exclusively worn on the playing grounds or not, Airsoft operators should reconsider on not using unit patches used in the AFP (or the corresponding military counterpart overseas of your country).

On the contrary, there are airsoft teams who use MARPAT, SURPAT, or any foreign camouflage patterns, which is fine. The important point is the uniform itself... which points also to misusage of patches (military tabs are included). 

There will be certain instances that any airsoft operator will encounter a real soldier, who experienced the real training. Therefore, mocking up like the "real guy" does not work because they will be asking you certain things only real trainees of the specialized course only know, especially if you happen to encounter a real member of the Scout Ranger/Special Forces class or unit. I strongly suggest not to use the "real uniform" and even the military patches because it's misusage would lead to imprisonment, and confiscation of the uniform.

I heard on some folks in the Army (even in other branches of service) that soldiers really confiscates the uniform if caught red handed wearing it outside the military installation... which will left you on your bare skin (undergarments not confiscated).

2. Gun discipline

Gun safety and management is one of the skills every Airsoft operator should learn. These includes pointing, handling, and safekeeping of your Airsoft loadout. Since airsoft uses replica firearms, operators should consider the airsoft handgun/rifle as a real one.

There are cases of injuries in the game that lead to blindness, or physical injury. Therefore, you should be careful upon wielding the weapon because the misusage of your airsoft gun can constitute to crimes akin to a real firearm (e.g Illegal possession of firearms, serious physical injuries, and the like) that any Airsoft operator do not intend to go into.

Even though there are off-the-game incidents of shooting to civilians using airsoft rifle, better be careful with your raifu waifu.

3. Wearing of uniform

You're doing it wrong, Carl.

Cosplayers are good portrayers of anyone they desire to imitate. This is just a good example about wearing foreign uniforms properly. There are airsoft groups inspired on foreign armies like the Red Army, JGSDF, and others. 

BDU's are intended to be bloused along the trousers, to follow the proper cover and concealment according to the uniform, and to equip only what is necessary according to the uniform code. It is important not only to properly wear the uniform but also to follow the discipline instilled on the portraying army/unit the airsoft team imitates/portrays.

It is of greater importance to take care of your BDU/airsoft gear to launder it without any optical brighteners, and/or super brightening agents.

On the contrary, wearing private military contractor (PMC) gear depend on the user since PMC's gear and outfit is user defined. Furthermore, PMC gear is suitable in close quarters battle (CQB), and does not offer good concealment in military simulations, especially in jungle warfare.

4. Cover and concealment

Coloration is also important in the concept of cover and concealment. One does not simply use a black vest/chest rig over a woodland BDU. In other countries, black has been considered an obsolete color complementary to the uniform. However, black could be a good alternative for those who wear urban-oriented uniform (e.g. ACU, black suit, PMC gear, GIGN-like uniform, SWAT).

Cover and concealment does not work this way.

Therefore, consider the following colorations:

• Urban = Gray/Black (where black really depends, but just an alternative to gray)
• Woodland = Ranger Green or Olive Drab (consider the brightness of the green on the uniform before choosing either Ranger Green or Olive Drab)
• MARPAT/MultiCam = Coyote Brown
• Desert = Tan/Khaki
• NWU Blueberries = Black
• USAF Airman Battle Uniform = Sage Green

Be careful on choosing the vest because every vest's color per product brand vary and differ to its color counterpart. For an instance, Cordura's Coyote Brown is different from the coyote brown of other tactical vest/chest rig brands.

Nobody cares if the operator wears neon colors or bright colors as your base of uniform that are against the rules of cover, camouflage, and concealment. The piece of advice offered here is for survival purpose, and to negate quick detection from your enemies.

Airsoft is a great sport that is hefty on the budget. Therefore, Filipino Airsoft Operators should consider the safety of the game before we spoil our aims. Nevertheless, if you know to play the game, have it your way. However, it is important to enjoy the game as we get to know more about the faults in the game.