Chapter 3. Equipment


Chapter 3. Weapons Chapter 3. Equipment Individual Equipment List For the purpose of uniformity, all men are encouraged to carry on their person this list of equipment. A detailed description of each piece follows. All men should wear US Army Battle dress utilities in the Advantage© or similar pattern camouflage. This pattern is as close to a ghillie suit as the unit can get in most paintball situations. 1. US Army Battle Dress Utilities (Advantage Pattern) 2. Good boots for ankle support. 3. Certified Paintball goggles with thermal lenses. 4. Rank and Insignia 5. Combat Harness. 6. Talkabout Plus UHF FRS Radio. 7. Scope or Binoculars. 8. Night Vision device. 9. Squeegee and Leg Sheath. 10. Camelback system or canteen. 11. Personal First Aid Kit. “There are two universal and important weapons of the soldier which are often overlooked – the boot and the spade. Speed and length of marching has won many victories; the spade saved many defeats and gained time for victory” Field Marshall Earl Weaver Battle Dress Utilities The standard uniform of the 1st PLI is US Army Battle Dress Utilities in the Advantage Camouflage pattern. Advantage was chosen as the recommended uniform due to its three dimensional image which does not blob at a distance and also provides close in camouflage. The Advantage Camouflage pattern was originally developed for turkey hunters. Those familiar with turkey hunting know that a turkey has the best vision of any land-based animal. As such it is very difficult to hunt. The three dimensional characteristics of Advantage Camouflage work equally well in defeating the human eye. Since Ghillie suits are usually banned from paintball games (due to the difficulty of determining whether or not a hit occurred and the deflection of paintballs) Advantage is the best next step. Other hunter types of camouflage such as RealTree© and TreBark© are also very effective. The PLI recommends Advantage to encourage uniformity. The standard US Army Woodland, Tiger Stripe, Olive Drab, and other cheap commercial military camouflage are all dark. The result is what the military calls blobbing. In other words, at short combat ranges such as those seen in paintball, the camouflage looks too black to be truly effective. Many new players choose Woodland camouflage because it is cheap, but it is also one of the least effective due to its popularity and a very poor close quarters battle design. While Tiger Stripe is excellent for jungle operations or very close shrub, most paintball takes place in rather open woodland. Olive drab is also more difficult to hide because it is all one color and can blob. Even poor camouflage choices can be made better by the apPLIcation of local camouflage (Chapter 13. Fundamentals of Camouflage). The one time cost to purchase BDU’s is less than a DYE barrel or case of paint and as such is deemed reasonable by the unit. By asking all members to dress the same, it causes the opponent to question how many members of the unit have been spotted. It is more difficult to track movement and lends itself to a tactical advantage. Standard US Army BDU pattern is a very durable pattern which is widely available in Advantage Camouflage. The four pocket jacket and six pocket pants are double stitched, bar tacked, and heavily reinforced in all wear areas. They have proven themselves to paintball players around the world. The cost of a pair of Advantage BDU’s is only about $70. "A well dressed soldier has more respect for himself. He also appears more redoubtable to the enemy and dominates him; for a good appearance is itself a force." General Barthelemy-Catherine Joubert Footwear Sound footwear, correctly chosen for the terrain you will be on and the role you undertake are as important as your personal camouflage, combat harness, and weapon. The first step to sound footwear is to purchase a good set of socks. Padded sole hiking socks are available which will cushion your feet. Wool socks are generally considered to be the best because of wools' insulating properties (it will keep your feet warm even when soaking wet). If you simply cannot stand the itch of the wool, cotton socks are the next best thing. Be aware that they lose their insulating effect when wet and a good oversock is recommended. It is imperative that if you feet get wet you change your socks as soon as possible. It is possible to get immersion foot in the course of a single weekend. It is quite painful and not a lot of fun. Gore-Tex oversocks have recently become commercially available for ten to thirty dollars. The Gore-Tex membrane allows sweat vapor to escape, but keeps the larger water molecules out. This is an excellent concept and has become standard issue for the British Army and will probably soon be adopted by others. It is important to know that foot powders can clog the Gore-Tex membrane. The choice of boot will depend on your personal taste. Most paintball injuries are the result of turned ankles or leg injuries. Stick with boots. Cleats are not designed for the woods. Military combat boots are durable and relatively cheap, but consider a medium priced hunting boot. These are designed more for stealth and silence than military footwear but are often just as durable. Lightweight boots are better for the part time infantry as they don’t sap as much of your strength. Some lightweight hunting boots are even available in Advantage Camouflage to match your BDU’s. It is of the utmost importance that you choose a boot you are happy with. Be sure to break in your boots by wearing them before you hit the field. One old trick, which dates to the American Civil War, is to rub soap on stress points of your feet to prevent blisters. Most really good boots will break in quickly and last several years. To many paintballers shortchange themselves by choosing poor footwear. Any full time soldier will tell you the value of good footwear. “The hardships of forced marches are more often painful than the dangers of battle… I would rather lose one man marching than five in fighting” Lt. General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson Goggles Only goggles specifically designed for and approved for paintball are allowed. There are only four companies currently manufacturing goggles for the sport. They are (in alphabetical order) Brass Eagle, JT, Scott, and Vents. All have been tested and approved to meet ASTM f-1776-97 Impact standards. Be aware that early models of the Brass Eagle products did not meet this standard. New lenses that are date marked do meet the standard. If you wear glasses, consider the JT products due to the availability of the goggle fan. Do not shortchange your eyes; wear only approved paintball goggles! Goggle Rules: 1. NEVER REMOVE YOUR GOGGLES ON THE FIELD. 2. Use only approved no fog lens cleaner (un-approved cleaners can damage the plastic lenses and cause them to crack.) 3. Take proper care of your goggles, cleaning them after each hit and inspecting them before each game for hairline cracks or damage. 4. Do not modify or alter the goggles in any way. Most paintball lenses are made from Lexan polycarbonate, the strongest optical material known. Lexan lenses can deteriorate, weaken, and possibly break if you do not clean them every time you play. Always clean lenses with water or JT Plexus Spray. Do not use cleaners such as Windex, 409, Simple Green, Fantastic, Gasoline, Kerosene, Clorox, or Ammonia. These chemicals will attack the Lexan and cause it to break down. When cleaning your lenses, remove them from the frame and wash all paint from the lens, the frame, and the track along which the lenses seat. Dry each piece before reassembling the goggles. Never let paint or goggle spray remain on the lenses overnight. Goggle lenses should be wiped with soft cotton cloths only. Lexan can scratch easily, so be sure to clean off grit and sand with water before wiping the lens. Thermal lenses should never be submerged in water. They should be cleaned with a damp cloth. Do not scrub the soft inner lens as it scratches even easier than the outer lens. Special no fog sprays are available from goggle manufacturers. It is imperative that you use only the sprays made for Lexan lenses. Regular glass no fog solutions contain chemicals that will damage your lenses. Do not store your lenses in areas that contain chemicals or chemical fumes. Goggles should be stored in a clean dry place free from chemicals and fumes. Additionally, areas near heaters should also be avoided. In the event you observe a small crack in your lens, you must replace it immediately. Lenses should also be replaced annually. Be sure to reassemble your lenses properly, using all connectors and screws. A shortcut here could result in a tragedy. Don’t skimp on the safety gear! Goggles, Gloves, and Kneepads should be used. Rank and Insignia The 1st PLI patch goes on the left shoulder centered one inch below the shoulder seam. The players home team patch should be placed on the right sleeve centered one inch below the shoulder seam. Nametapes are not required. If worn, the right pocket should read INFANTRY and the left pocket should read the players name or paintball nickname. Nametapes should be olive drab with black stitching and one inch capital letters. For purposes of uniformity, no other patches should be worn. US Army Metal rank insignia will be used to denote the proper rank. Using metal insignia will make it easier to change ranks around from event to event. All ranks should be subdued. All members are also required to carry a set of private’s insignia to replace their normal badges of rank in the event of capture. As special units develop within the PLI, tabs may be authorized denoting them. In addition, any AUTHORIZED and earned service badges may be worn. Out of respect to those who have taken the time and pride to earn these badges, unauthorized members should not wear and badges or tabs they have not been officially awarded by the military. Combat Harness The 1st PLI Combat Harness or similar system is the recommended load carrying system that allows you to carry all necessary and required equipment for extended scenario games. It is based on the Load Carrying Equipment used by the Special Forces and SWAT teams throughout the country. The central unit of the Combat harness is a Unique Heinie Harness. A utility pouch has been added to the belt to hold tools and a personal first air kit. It is imperative that no matter what system you chose you keep your first aid kit on the right side of your belt so other members can find it in an emergency. To the left side of the belt buckle a radio pocket and GPS pocket have been added. Two drop down systems have been added by sewing 2” webbing to the Heinie Harness belt and attaching it to a 2” Fastex buckle making the drop downs removable. These are interchangeable based on your handedness. Drop down pouch one is a holster for your Daisy Eagle or other Backup weapon. It has a holster, a small CO2 pouch for 3 cartridges, and a magazine pouch for two loaded magazines. It encircles the leg with two leg retention straps. Drop down pouch two has three pouches. Two pouches for Smoke grenades which can hold two 10,000CU feet or one 75,000 CU feet smoke grenades. The center pouch holds one Tippman Bouncing Betty Grenade. This drop down pouch also has two retention straps to keep it from moving. A US Army Y suspension system is attached to the Heinie harness. A US Army issue compass pouch is fastened to the left or right side (again based on your handedness) to hold your barrel plug in the field. A small backpack is sewn to the horizontal back strap of the Y harness and holds a 2-Liter Camelback system. The straw to this system is attached to your collar or goggles. The two pouches (one to the left, one to the right) are designed to each hold a M79A1 exploding paint grenade. The Camelbak pouch is oversized and can also hold supPLIes such as food. This integrated combat system is combat proven in the field, on the streets, and in the paintball world. Plans for the M 2 Harness are available from the PLI Headquarters. Talkabout Plus UHF FRS Radio System The Talkabout Plus UHF Family Radio Service system is the official radio of the 1st PLI. This is due to the many advantages of the system. Other compatible radios are available, but quality should be the watchword when purchasing your radio. Ensure the radio you purchase has 14 channels and 38 privacy codes. 1. Small size and weight. 2. Availability (Wal-Mart) 3. Fourteen Channels with 38 privacy codes. 4. Two-mile transmission range. 5. Cost (About $100). 6. Availability of accessories such as earbuds and headsets. 7. Extremely clear transmissions. Other radios such as CB’s have been tried, but none match the Motorola product for range and clarity of transmission. Radio Specifications: 1. Frequency………….. UHF 462.5625-467.7125 2. Channels……………14 3. Privacy Codes………38 4. Power……………….3 AA Batteries (30 hours standby/ 10 hours effective) 5. Size…………………4.5” Tall 6. Weight……………...7 oz. 7. Power Output………1 Watt 8. Channel Spacing…...12.5 Kilohertz 9. Range………………2 Miles Frequencies used by the 1st PLI will change on an event by event basis. Radio frequencies and codes used by the PLI should NOT be given to members of other units unless specifically authorized by the event command staff. Members who are captured should immediately change the frequency of their radio. Scopes and Binoculars The use of a scope in paintball often brings about a great deal of derision by other players who will tell you just how inaccurate a paintball gun is. For scenario games, the use of a scope or binoculars is imperative. In the 1st PLI each squad leader and assistant squad leader should carry one or the other. Using binoculars results in having to carry yet another piece of equipment that could potentially be lost and bangs around trying to get in the way. Using a scope not only attaches the viewing device to your weapon, but with the addition of raised scope rings, it will not interfere with your normal sighting systems. Another plus to the use of a scope is that if someone pops up in your line of fire, you do not have to drop your binoculars and grab your weapon. You just have to fire. Look for a good scope with a wide field of view. A clear scope cover will protect your investment from a direct hit and keep your scope clean for a lifetime. The cost of a good scope can run upwards of 300 to 400 dollars. A suitable paintball scope can be had for about 30 to 50. Binoculars also have plusses in that the field of view is generally greater and you have better depth perception from using two eyes instead of one. Personal preference will govern your decision. In tactical situations, it is better to have and not need than to need and not have! Care should be taken with whichever optic system you choose. Some systems can survive a direct paintball hit, but many cannot. Plastic scope covers are available that will protect the optics of your scope from a paintball hit. Optics should be cleaned with glass cleaner and treated with no fog solution. Note that the cleaners used for optics and goggle lenses differ. This is because most optic systems use glass and most paintball goggles are Lexan plastic. Scopes should not be used as the primary sighting system for your weapon. Raised scope rings are available that will lift the scope ½ to ¾ inches allowing you to sight under the scope. This allows you the ability to use both systems. Night Vision There are several types of night vision devices (NVD's) now available. While arguably any night vision is better than none, do not purchase the cheapest just because of price. The military is now using Generation 5 night vision so imagine the difference from the cheap night vision permeating the market today that is Vietnam era Generation 1. Due to the cost of Night Vision devices, it is not a required purchase. It is suggested that each squad have at least one member with night vision. Ideally every member should be so equipped. Important factors to consider when purchasing your night vision device: 1. Field of View (generally 20 to 52 Degrees) 2. Diopter Adjustment 3. Focus Range 4. Magnification 5. Size of the Objective lens 6. Maximum viewing range 7. Warranty 8. Waterproofing 9. Generation 10. Weight 11. IR Illuminator 12. Method of operation (Handheld/Weapon Mounted/Headsets) 13. Power source 14. Accessories 15. Durability Cleaning instructions for your night vision system should be followed exactly. Many systems can be damaged by use during daylight or be any bright light beam that hits the unit directly. Due to the cost of these units, it is recommended that you take the precaution of using a padded pouch to hold the unit in the field (see the Night vision/GPS pouch on the M2 Paintball harness). Night vision should not be used simultaneously by an entire squad in the field. The goggles often emit an audible high frequency whine that can be heard at ten to thirty feet. In addition, the wearer will be temporarily blind when he or she removes the goggles in the field for about thirty seconds. PLI members should learn to rely on other senses in night operations. Global Positioning System Global positioning devices vary in features but almost all have good quality. The GPS system is a hand-held satellite receiver that displays your exact position within one hundred feet. The system is used extensively by the US Military, Law Enforcement, and recreational sportsmen. A typical system costs $150 to $300 dollars. The use of this system allows nearly exact placement of men and units for the purposes of paintball. What to look for in your GPS: 1. Latitude, longitude, UTM, and OSGB 2. PC Upload/Download 3. Tracks up to 12 Satellites 4. Saves 200+ landmarks 5. Auto backtracking 6. Saves up to five routes with 20 legs 7. 72 maps datums, plus one user defined datum 8. Graphic navigation screens display position, direction, speed, and progress. 9. Power management features 10. Real time track plotter 11. EZ Start and on screen instructions 12. Internal Antenna 13. Rugged, armored housing 14. 24 hour operation on 4 AA batteries 15. Lanyard and quick reference guides A Quick trip to a boating store will allow you to ask numerous questions about different GPS systems. They are used extensively by boaters. All squad leaders and assistant squad leaders should have a GPS. Each man in the PLI should be familiar with the unit and its use. GPS systems should be stored in a padded pouch such as the one on the M2 Paintball Harness. Special Operational Gear Other types of equipment not discussed may be used from time to time by 1st PLI units. These devices range from high tech motion sensors to low tech tin cans, but can all be used to further the abilities of the unit. All members are encouraged to submit their own ideas on special operational gear to the PLI headquarters for future publication. Early warning devices: 1. Soda cans with strings tied between them to place across trails. 2. Snap and Pops 3. Party Popper (New Year’s Eve firework) can be used with tripwires. 4. Chem-Light tripwire systems are available and work like flares. 5. Wireless Infra-Red motion detector from Radio Shack has a 30 foot range and will light up when motion is detected. Deception Devices: 1. Small tape player with sounds of men talking or firefight. 2. Small Chemlights can be suspended from trees to make a lightly defended area appear well defended. 3. Black ¾” PVC Pipes to be used as “barrels” of guns. They can be protruded from dummy positions or one-man bunkers to make it appear as if more defenders are present. Extra goggles and hats can be used to enhance this condition. 4. Black 2” PVC “PAW”. Even fake PAW’s can make an enemy think twice about assaulting. Bigger ones could also be used. Remember this fake stuff only works once. 5. Dud or dummy M69A2 grenades. Guaranteed to make the enemy run for cover. 6. Phony “Keep out” signs. Field owners should be checked with before using this. 7. Multiple flags of different colors. 8. “Fake” objective boxes or instructions. If it looks good, they will take it. This can be used to send the enemy the wrong direction or to the wrong target. Miscellaneous Equipment: 1. Laser pointer from radio shack should NOT be used as laser sights. There is a small chance you could blind another player. It is not worth the risk. 2. Portable/Rechargeable spot light for obvious reasons. 3. Night Vision infra red illuminator. 4. Blue/green filtered flashlight. 5. Strobe light for blinding opponents or a quick look at the field. 6. Heat sensors used by hunters to find their kills can be used if the circumstances are correct. 7. Knee pads for those inevitable falls.