This is how things are moving forward

In recent years we have seen quite a few alternative non-lethal weapon systems for the purpose of Force on Force training including simulation and simunition however, one in particular is becoming very popular for a number of reasons including, realism, safety and affordability. The die-hard firearms trainers out there are going to hate this but it is what it is and we all have to move with the times.

I am always looking for ways to make our firearms training simulator more realistic, however, whenever I’m looking round for the latest designs, latest simulated weapon system, one thing keeps coming up “Airsoft”. I can already hear the haters, I was one and to a point still am.

A Toy or a Training Aid ?

So Airsoft Guns or I should say “High End Airsoft Gun” are being used for Force on Force training by Law Enforcement through to Special Forces for a number of reasons including:

·????????Non-lethal – live to tell the tale if you make a mistake, learn by your mistakes

·????????Realistic scenario training – cant use lethal rounds in realistic scenarios without the chance of someone getting hurt or worse

·????????Budget – cheaper than having to go to a range on a regular basis, cheaper than live ammunition, cheaper than simunition rounds.

·????????Inflicts pain – the ultimate learning stimulus.

High end airsoft are not that cheap but are realistic down to every identical feature including exact weight. Even recoil is getting closer and closer to the point of a high end carbine giving you that muzzle lift. ???

When it comes to any simulated scenario based training you want as real as humanly possible RIGHT ?. You want Force on Force that allows us to witness reaction times, behaviour and decisions.

Force on Force is more critical and way more important than the shooting range, especially when it comes down to CQB training whether in Law Enforcement or an Armed Private Contractor. ?

The shooting range provides a specific skill set while Force on Force is the live experiment with uncontrolled results using weapon systems that provide the ultimate learning stimulus “PAIN” but does not end in the ultimate sacrifice.

Obviously there are both pros and cons but this is the way things are moving forward.

Thoughts ??????