6th Minute (AIRSOFT SPECIAL)

Methods of Play

Skirmish

A skirmish is a term coined to describe most games of airsoft that aren't Mil-Sim. It includes simplified rules, no more than two to three teams, simple objectives, and a general low budget 'warm up' style of play that doesn't include the dynamics of Mil-Sim play. This is where most airsoft games fall. Players may stray from realism in certain aspects. Casual clothing may be worn, non-existent guns used (like an M16 with a folding stock), and high cap magazines (although some of these could be used in Milsim).

MilSim

An airsoft/MILSIM player operating in a sniper role and wearing a ghillie suit as camouflage.

"MilSim", short for Military Simulation, generally combines airsoft play with some military live-action role-playing elements. This type of play may be considered "hard core" by many players because of the above normal involvement required. Several goals or missions may be assigned to each team, along with a basic load-out (i.e., supply) of ammunition, rations, explosives, and radios. MilSim originated in Albany, Oregon, by a team named ATAC, or Advanced Tactics Airsoft Class.

A key element in MilSim games is the use of low-capacity magazines,^{[citation needed]} replicating the actual magazine capactity of the 'real-steel' firearm the airsoft gun is replicating. Examples of which are the 30 round STANAG magazines of the M4, M16, Type 89, SCAR-L etc. As well as similar capacities for other common replicas.

The teams will remain in the field for the duration of play, only returning to a staging area or "safe zone" for medical emergencies or other special circumstances. Military simulation games often last several days. For example, the large Berget annual event in Sweden lasts for six days with no breaks. In large scale MilSim operations, players often use vehicles such as painted vans and trucks. In some cases, such as Operation Irene (an annual MilSim held in the midwest U.S.), real APCs and tanks are used. Such large scale events can take place in MOUT (Military Operations in Urban Terrain) facilities.

Airsoft games are not limited to MilSim or skirmishs, however. There are many alternate game scenarios.

(Source:Wikipedia)