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Law Enforcement/Military/Government Force Training

Today there is growing interest in force training using airsoft weapons. Here at Depot 53 our professional customers include police departments, military units, the Department of Homeland Security and private training firms. As such, I thought it was time to publish something on what airsoft is and how it can be used for military, law enforcement, and other security training.

Airsoft weapons are highly detailed 1-to-1 scale replicas. They are not, however, real firearms, nor can they be converted to fire real ammunition. Airsoft originated in Japan, where private ownership of firearms is prohibited, as an alternative for hobbyiests, wargamers, and collectors. From there it spread throughout Asia, Europe and now to the United States. Like the rest of the world, initial interest in the U.S. was from collectors and wargamers, but use quickly expanded to the film industry, and now firearms training. With its many advantages over other training systems, military units, SWAT teams and professional firearm trainers have found airsoft weapons effective for both CQB and field training.

Weapons

Weapons fall into three different categories...spring, gas, and electric-powered weapons. Each type has advantages and disadvantages that are worth knowing about. But regardless of type, all airsoft weapons are exact 1-to-1 replicas, that use the same accessories as real firearms, meaning standard duty holsters, accessories and other gear are compatible. Airsoft replicas are available for almost every type of modern firearm on the market today, as well as historical weapons.

Spring-powered guns require the operator to manually cock the weapon before each shot. Spring guns are realistic, but cannot fire in semi or full auto modes like gas, or electric guns. Replicas are available for a wide variety of real-world pistols rifles, shotguns, and sub-machine guns.

Spring pistol are generally among the least expensive airsoft guns and can be accurate up to 50 feet. However, spring shotguns and sniper rifles are generally found among the higher-priced weapons.

Gas-powered guns use compressed gas to propel the BB. GBB's resemble the real thing in detail, everything from safeties, to slide locks (when the mag is empty), hammers, triggers, etc. all function like real steel. Depending on the model, gas weapons can fire semi-auto, full-auto, and even 3-round bursts. The biggest disadvantage of gas-powered guns is reduced performance in low temperatures. Because gas volume shrinks as temperature decreases, gas guns simply don't have the same power in cold weather as they do when temperatures are moderate to hot. Gas guns are more moderately priced than springers, ranging from $60 to $300, with most in the $100 to $200 range.

Airsoft Electric Guns (AEG's/AEP's) use a rechargeable battery, motor, gears, and a piston to propel BB's. Power is supplied by NiCad or NiMH rechargeable batteries. Most AEG's are capable of firing semi and full-auto with rates of fire in excess of 700 rounds per minute. AEG prices start at around $200 and can range all the way up to $1,200 for something like a fully automatic M249 machine gun.

Ammunition

Airsoft weapons fire 6, or 8 millimeter solid plastic BB's at speeds ranging from 200 to 500 feet per second (most stock guns fire in the 250 to 350 fps range) using air as a propellant. The majority of guns on the market fire 6 mm-sized BB's and while they can fire metal BB's, or paintballs, these types of ammunition are not recommended.

For sensitive areas, environmentally-friendly biodegradable BB's are available. The most common BB's are white, but they are also available in colors and black. Due to the low velocity of an airsoft projectile, white and brightly colored BB's are visible to the naked eye while in flight. This can cause some trainees to lose their sight picture while they follow the BB to its target. They then use this visual cue to 'walk' subsequent rounds onto it. However, black BB's are much harder to follow in flight, making them the preferred ammunition for training.

Like real firearms, barrel length plays a big role in determining BB accuracy. Airsoft pistols and short-barreled rifles like the MP5-K, or G36 Commando are accurate to about 60 feet. Rifles and other long-barreled weapons are effective to maximum range of about 100 to 150 feet. Accuracy and range is also impacted by BB weight. As a general rule, the heavier the BB, the slower it travels, but the more accurate it is at the far end of its trajectory. In other words, a .20g BB will fly faster than a .25g BB, but will be slightly less accurate than the heavier .25g BB.

Because BB's are solid and travel at relatively low speeds combatants require minimal protection. BB's also don't leave paint marks, won't break glass, or damage most surfaces and can be vacuumed up when an exercise is over. Spare magazines are also available for all airsoft weapons, giving trainees the opportunity load mag pouches, and practice mag swaps while under fire. This means you can train in real-world locations for more realistic engagements. And because you can train in any environment, travel time to special facilities and the scheduling problems it creates are reduced. Airsoft training, actually allows spontaneous, and/or roll call-type force on force training anytime, anywhere.

Safety

In any training program safety is always a primary concern. Because stock (un-modified) airsoft weapons fire BB's in the 250 to 350 fps (feet per second) range there is little risk of injury. For example, BB speeds in excess of 600 fps are required to break exposed skin. While there is little injury potential, airsoft BB's do indeed hurt when a participant is struck. Compared to SIMUNITION, airsoft BB's provide the similar pain level with considerably less padding, making scenarios much more realistic.

However, even at 250 fps, eye protection is critical and goggles are must for any airsoft training program. Shooting and safety glasses are not recommended because a BB fired at the right angle can penetrate between the glasses and head. As a general rule, anything that works for paintball also works for airsoft, but goggles that provide a full-seal around the eyes offer maximum protection. Another way to ensure a goggle is truly safe is to get one that meet either ANSI Z87.1, or MIL STD 662F standards. Also, based on personal experience, I strongly recommend 'thermal' goggles. Thermal goggles have two lenses with a layer of air between them which helps prevent fogging.

For CQB or other engagements where combatants may find themselves firing within 20' of each other, full face masks provide additional protection. And while not required, ear and neck protection, can help prevent nasty stings and 'pimple-like' marks from BB hits.

Cost

Another advantage of airsoft training is equipment cost, which is an average of 10 to 20 times less than other systems. Weapons and accessories are available in a variety of price and quality ranges that include everything from high-quality ABS plastic weapons, to full-metal replicas.

Operating costs are low as well. BB's cost $10 to $13 for 3,500 to 4,000 rounds, while a bottle of gas that can fire 1,500 rounds is about $12, and batteries be recharged 250 times before needing to be replaced. Higher-end airsoft weapons are also extremely reliable and durable. Most require only minimal routine maintenance and cleaning with readily available 100% silicone lubricant. Tune-ups to replace wear-and-tear items are recommended every 150,000 BB's and can be performed locally. Parts and accessories are readily available in the U.S. and can be shipped overnight should a weapon malfunction.

Conclusion

In a world where readiness has never been more important, airsoft technology offers one of the most effective and affordable ways of conducting force on force training. With its many advantages over competing simulation technologies, airsoft appears to be gaining momentum as a military, law enforcement, and homeland security training tool. With courts demanding realistic training, airsoft is too easy and inexpensive to be ignored. Even the price of a couple pistols and supplies can be found in the tightest of today's budgets. But most importantly, airsoft training will save the lives of the good guys!

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