Airsoft and the Military Community

Recently a superb article in Tactical Milsim Magazine written by ret. MSG Mad Max Mullen pointed out the critical issue with regards to Airsoft and the Military Community. He notes that a division exists between those individuals who participate in such events as those types who focus on the weapon and those who focus on the training. The fundamental point being that individuals who only focus on getting the "biggest and best" will fall into the trap that has ensnared the Speedball Community of Paintball. Basically, they believe that the advantage can be gained by buying/building better weaponry instead of identifying tactical skills and education as the solution. Although something can be said for advancement in weaponry, the major determinant in any event can be boiled down to the proper application of fire and maneuver.
Although I commend the MSG of his article, I do believe it stops short of the real issue that has coming to a head in many locations. Review of such forums as Military Photos would indicate the growing trend of impostors, individuals using the hard work and achievements of some of the country's most distinguished men and women for their own gain. As any current or prior service member would agree, certain uniform items and honors are reserved for those who have earned it. In this case, you would be hard pressed to find someone (logical) who would not agree to this point and would respect such a feeling. Yet, "airsofters" and airsoft enthusiasts still commit this grave crime.
The reason for this pandemic, if you will, is misunderstanding. Take a particular example: on a field in New York, a grown man wearing multicam with Captain bars retells a story to my team about when he was saluted by passing US Army enlisted at a prior event in Florida. Laughing such an instance off, the issue became immediately apparent: 1) Civilian enthusiasts do not know enough about the military to determine how/why such situations are inappropriate and 2) Military personnel are slowly being pushed away from "airsoft".
In the second case, the slow migration of military participants away is being addressed in the push towards Military Simulation events. These events with task/tactic oriented missions are ideal for training and sustaining techniques in the military/law enforcement communities. In this regard, the problem is being eleviated as long as most committed individuals move toward this and away from the "bigger and better" craze.
As far as civilian understanding is concerned, the only remedy is already shaping itself in milsim operations. By pushing a tactics/skills focus, civilians are beginning to learn more about the military community. As long as a "culture of understanding" can exist between these two communities, then airsoft can be used as military members would like to see it: a tool.

Although the thesis of this blog is slightly circular, I think it is a point that needed to be made. Military Simulations is the only direct airsoft can go if it plans on being successful. Without airsoft, the military would lose an excellent training tool. In a way, these two communities need each other, as long as civilians can learn to respect what they are mimicking.

M/N LTJG Alexander R. Wingate 1/C
United States Merchant Marine Academy, USMMA MSO
Class of 2010, Airborne Class of 37-08