How does Airsoft related to the Real World.

About a week ago, I was asked by one of my airsoft (Grey Fox) team mates "What do you get out of Airsoft and how does it relate?" At first I gave him some BS answer about how it allows me to get out of the house and spend time with the guys. But after I was able to think about that question for a while I decided to really dig into it a bit. Here is what I came up with. First though I am going to give you a brief overview of my role on the team.
I am the team trainer for Grey Fox. I have been working with them on basic tactics and how to get them working as a team. We have been going over all of the most basic infantry training and they have all come along very well. Before I took on the role however they had attended the School Of Infantry put on by Adrenaline Proving Grounds. It helped them create a foundation that I am able to build on. Now those same guys are some very competent shooters. What we have found out through this training, is that when you are proficient with a certain skill set, you enjoy that activity more. And that is what they are getting out of the training.
The question however was what do I get out of providing this training. Well the answer is not really all that simple, but I will do my best to explain it to you. First of all, I am able to work through scenarios that change just as fast as they do on any battlefield. I get proficient utilizing the weapon I would cary on every mission, the M4. I am able to improve my skills by teaching the skills that I may have been overlooking or have forgotten because I haven't used them in a long time. Before each and every training session I have to learn that skill inside out and backwards.
Now here is the most important part of this. With the current world op tempo, it is not uncommon for Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Airmen to deploy multiple times. Even reservists are deploying multiple times. Now for Active duty military, they may be more on top of their game when it comes to constant training, but for the National Guard and Reserve that can be a problem area. Now as a member of the Army Reserve, I know that it is my responsibility to make sure that when it is my time to deploy, I need to be ready to do my duty. Airsoft keeps me in the frame of mind to be able to stay ready at all times.
Now you may think of Airsoft as a game or hobby and you may not be as committed to it as some. That is ok. There is nothing wrong with being a once a month player or even once in a while player. But what I know to be the truth is, the better you are at something the more you enjoy your self. That is where training programs such as those put on by Adrenaline Proving Grounds. They not only put on training for people wanting to get better at Airsoft, they also provide that training to the Military, Police and other organizations looking to add to their mission effeciveness. They are dedicated to growing the sport as well as making it more enjoyable for those who veiw it as a hobby. However for those of us in the military they offer us a way to stay technically and tactically proficient while patiently waiting our next deployment.
Now They dont provide the training to non military or non police orgainizations free of charge, but they do provide this training to those men and women of the armed forces at no cost. They are willing to sacrifice their personal monetary gain to provide a much needed service to our country. Now I dont know how you want to spin this, but I call them Patriots. These training sessions are held at the same time as those for the military so not only are you getting some of the best training in the country which is the same as those in uniform, but you are training right along side of them. You are taking part in their training just as they are taking part in yours.
So there you have it. That is my answer to the question, What do I get out of Airsoft. I am confident that this game, this hobby will make me a better soldier. It has given me the opportunity, with out putting my self in harms way, to get true battlefield experience. It has thrown so many situations at me that when it does happen in the Real World, I will have been there and done that. Last but not least and the most important part of this. I will be confident in my self and I will come home to kiss my wife and children. Our faith in god will keep us safe spiritually, but our faith in our selves and our leadership will bring us all HOME.

If you would like to contact Adrenaline Proving Grounds to see how you can get involved in their training sessions or how you can bring them in to conduct training for your Unit check them out on the web at www.apgtraining.com