Post by 2nd Bat on Mar 16, 2016 17:54:55 GMT -5
Before airsoft events are typically gatherings of fairly small numbers Team leaders rarely if ever establish a reserve element and this is a common shortfall for both offensive and defensive operations. Let's begin with defensive operations. Whether you are defending a perimeter or a defensive line attackers are typically going to pressure a given point for their main effort. Until pressure gets to a critical point the commander doesn't know if the effort is a diversion or the actual attack. Without a mobile reserve once the commander knows it's typically too late. With a formal, established deserve the commander can typically plug the holes expeditiously enough to effect the outcome. Shifting commuter forces is no where near as effective. Even if the reserve is as small as three guys that force can take over positions left exposed by casualties. As those casualties fall back to regen they can form a new reserve element and the same number of defenders with the added flexibility becomes far more effective. To truly be effective the reserve element should be fully familiar with the full defensive responsibilities and know the key defensive locations (areas of responsibilities, gaps, adjacent units etc. They should rehearse they route into and out of those positions. They can be ordered into and out of positions by preordained commands or signals.
This fluidity is simply not possible with a defensive force evenly spread out in a linear defensive posture and if attempted adjustments are made sections of your defensive line or perimeter will be exposed and potentially exploited by your attacked.
For offensive operations your reserve becomes in many cases your exploitation arm and once again the formality of that role aids in their ability to be applied where needed quickly and seamlessly.
Often times airsoft players are unenthusiastic about being assigned in the role of a reserve element. The fear is they won't get enough trigger time.. That possibility is always present in any event (especially larger more authentic events) but under the direction of effective leaders the reserve force in both offensive and defensive roles are essentially firemen who are MORE likely to find themselves in the heat of the action and often become the critical element in a teams success. Because they typically are employed at critical points (typically with full magazines, fresh eyes legs and batteries and often unexpected) they become huge force multipliers.
Try employing formalized reserves at your next event and see for yourself the impact on using them. Even very small forces can apply this concept AND SHOULD!
This fluidity is simply not possible with a defensive force evenly spread out in a linear defensive posture and if attempted adjustments are made sections of your defensive line or perimeter will be exposed and potentially exploited by your attacked.
For offensive operations your reserve becomes in many cases your exploitation arm and once again the formality of that role aids in their ability to be applied where needed quickly and seamlessly.
Often times airsoft players are unenthusiastic about being assigned in the role of a reserve element. The fear is they won't get enough trigger time.. That possibility is always present in any event (especially larger more authentic events) but under the direction of effective leaders the reserve force in both offensive and defensive roles are essentially firemen who are MORE likely to find themselves in the heat of the action and often become the critical element in a teams success. Because they typically are employed at critical points (typically with full magazines, fresh eyes legs and batteries and often unexpected) they become huge force multipliers.
Try employing formalized reserves at your next event and see for yourself the impact on using them. Even very small forces can apply this concept AND SHOULD!