[I actually wrote this post for my gaming clan - BIG - as there are some gamers who regard those of us who also play airsoft with a little suspicion. But I thought it was worth posting up here as well as it is an interesting topic.]

I for one don't think it's at all strange that a gaming clan like BIG should have an airsoft section - as I have said before, airsoft is a natural progression of FPS and complements it nicely (as long as you don't mind getting off your ass and away from the comfort of you computer nest!)...

It's an interesting analogy that military computer gamers have long known that the real armies of several nations use games like BF2 and America's Army as training tools for real soldiers. So, it shouldn't come as a surprise that playing TFPSs (Tactical FPSs) can give you a head start when starting to play airsoft.

A excellent example of how TFPS experience can have a positive effect on the field is Dewey & my teamwork last Sunday at South Yorkshire Airsoft. We drew on our work as team players of Battlefield 2 to effectively support each other tactically on the airsoft field.

You'd be surprised at just how many airsoft players don't have even the most basic tactical awareness - using cover, supporting each other and most importantly COMMUNICATING WITH EACH OTHER!

Believe it or not, our [computer gamers] use of Ventrillo voice-comms gives TFPS players a big advantage in playing airsoft - we don't mind constantly chattering to each other about 'what's going on' about us (at a sensible volume of course!)...

I've followed other groups of airsoft players around the field, and have been very surprised by the complete lack of tactical communication - spoken or unspoken - that goes on. Many patrols are done in complete silence!

One of the greatest advantages of working as a team is that you effectively add extra sets of eyes - but if that additional visual awareness is not translated into the communication of information between team members, then you are no more than a big herd of individuals. And you're patrol will ultimately fail.

Computer games like Battlefield 2 can be seen as good training tools for airsoft teams to practise certain movement and communication procedures. And likewise airsoft is a great team building and fun activity that can drive home the important of being aware of your environment. As I say - both activities can complement each other.