Central War Gaming Blog

Central War Gaming Blog

 

Thursday, December 29, 2016

Coming to Operation INCA DOVE? Are you sure?

Operation Inca Dove is just a bit over two weeks out now. We've been expecting a heavy turnout due to the many comments for months on attendance, travel, planning, equipment for the snow and cold, weapons questions, and much more chatter. So much so that we thought carefully about the maximum number we could support well, and made plans to assure we can transport and house you all in the worst possible conditions, so set a maximum attendance.  

However, at this time there are not nearly enough signups to hold the event. We're instead well below our minimum required number. That means that unless many more of you sign up in the next few days: 

THE EVENT WILL BE CANCELLED

Since we must soon start purchasing supplies, typing and printing, and packing for the trip, we are very likely to officially announce cancellation of the event in the first week of January. 

There is no specific cutoff time now, but it is days away. We do not accept walk ons just showing up, so if you are planning to attend, you must sign up—and get all your friends to sign up—immediately. To sign up, go to: 

http://centralwar.com/events/IncaDove17.shtml

If you have done your part, no worries. In the event of cancellation, all those who signed up will receive an immediate 100% refund through PayPal. 

The April airsoft event in Oklahoma is still scheduled. Operation King Rail 17 will take place 7 - 9 April 2017 at D-Day Adventure Park, as long as we get enough attendees for that as well. We will begin accepting registration for that event in the next few months, but the date is solid so you can put it on your calendars now. 

Questions about upcoming schedules and events? You can always check our event calendar for future plans and dates. 

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Field Directions, Parking, Camping and More - Least Weasel 16

Directions

The field is... not really at an address. It is off Howell Loop Road in Ullman, Missouri. For mapping directions, you can enter 38°07'24.4"N 92°26'51.6"W (38.123438, -92.447660)

However, most automatic maps will take you some crazy route and you will get lost. Uses these instead: 
  • From the West, take exit 101 on I-70. Take Missouri Route 5 south to Eldon, then Missouri 52 to Tuscumbia
  • From the East, take exit 128A on I-70. Take US 63 south to Jefferson City. Get on US 54 across the Missouri River, until you get to Missouri Route 17. Continue south to Tuscumbia.
  • From Tuscumbia:
    • Take or continue on Missouri Route 17 southbound.
    • Turn right onto Missouri Highway C.
    • Turn left onto Howell Loop Road (County Road 14)
    • Signs will be visible from the roadway. Turn into the right driveway for your parking area. 
We've mapped out the directions for you from Exit 101 in Google Maps.



Parking
We'd like to keep the two sides separate as usual. We'll put up signs, so look for those as you get closer. 

Adrea will pull into the first driveway, near the pinpoint on the directions above. Turn sharply right, staying along the treeline, till well past the trailer. Park where indicated along the fence nearer the tents. 

Kitoy will pull into the second driveway, and turn left. Park near the driveway along the fence facing the road. Don't go too far into the field or you may become stuck. There is a small wooden footbridge to the west of this parking lot which leads to the main camping area and facilities. 

Please pull cars forward to the treeline/fenceline, and keep as neat a line as you can to allow other cars and equipment to pass by.

Equipment trailers can use any open areas near the parking to turn around as needed. A good place to park may be parallel with the road/treeline, further down, nearer the tents. We can help guide you when you arrive, so if we don't come out, ask around for where we are. 

Camping
If you don't want to drive overnight, we've arranged for camping as usual. You can sleep in your vehicle, or drop a tent in the parking area. We'll try to designate a save place to camp and either tell you a few days before, or mark it so you can look for that when you arrive.  

There will be at least one large (MGPTS) tent set up in a central location, if you don't want to bring your own tent, or the weather is too much to bother with. These are not segregated, so you may see the enemy. We may not be able to provide privacy of any sort, so plan accordingly or complain privately and we'll make any other arrangements you may need. 

This area can be wet, so it may be a good idea to bring a cot or separate sleeping mat if you choose to sleep overnight on Thursday. 

There is a permanent shower and bathroom facility nearby. It's got hard walls and a roof, but also plenty of ventilation, so may be cold, and beware of wasp nests and so on. We will try to have hot water on, but may not. Plan accordingly. 

Assembly Areas
Friday morning, Ardea will assemble near the tents. The point will be labeled, or you will just listen to your leadership and follow them there. 

Kitoy will assemble near the footbridge at the west end of the parking lot. Please keep this area clear. 

Anyone arriving Friday morning should park as indicted above, and carry your equipment the short distance to the assembly area. 

If there is weather, check in may be moved to a tent or building. You will be notified of this at the time if it happens.  

Off Limits
There are other structures, equipment, shelters, vehicles and more in this area. Do not use any of them unless expressly told to. 

There are guylines for tents, antennas and may be other hazards. Be careful when walking around the camping area, especially in the dark. 

Do not go into the field further than the immediate surroundings of the camping area. 

Monday, August 22, 2016

Rental Night Vision

You've heard us talk about how CWG field exercises should challenge you, and how we expect you all to be able to live and fight 24 hours a day.

Well we don't just demand that, but are trying to help empower you to do it. After some issues with suppliers, we've managed to line up rental night vision, and one somewhat cheap IR laser aimer. You can see what we have and lay down the money to rent it here:
http://centralwar.com/events/Purchase-Rental.shtml

We'll add more details in the coming day as we get it (though I'll have to wait till I get home to get photos of the laser), but feel free to ask any questions.

This is a great deal because we've managed to get the rental NODs cheaper than usual, and also because support will be on site. It's not a deal where we get them mailed in, and hope it's all good. Instead, you will be handed the NOD, any mounting you need, and a helmet if you don't have one, right there from the big, waterproof box. If problems come up, you'll get help right away.



Even better, we'll provide you free training. If you show up on Thursday evening we will:

  • Issue out the NODs to you then
  • Briefly lecture on how they work, what they do and do not do, and how to keep them safe
  • Help you get them set up with your helmet, head and eyes
  • And do a bit of training in the dark woods so you can get used to it

It won't take too long, so you'll still get a chance to sleep before the exercise. We'll work out the exact times as a group once we see who is renting and when you expect to be arriving.

Saturday, August 20, 2016

Take Care of Your Ounce...

Many of us already know the phrase you take care of the ounces, they will take care of the pounds. 

The principle being that it's easy to add a feature, or capability, so hard to loose pounds in your rig, ruck or rifle. But if you make good small choices, they add up. Carry that sensitive item in a small plastic box, not a big metal one. Or a small padded nylon case. A couple ounces, but you make a few more of those choices and you have lost a pound. 

And nothing makes you appreciate loosing a few pounds like carrying it up a mountainside, or having to carry it for two weeks straight. Done both, and it's still a hard lesson to retain. Many joes and boots and probbies don't get a chance to test themselves enough, or consider the occasional ruck run a rare, training-only occurrence so it's hard to drive the point home. 

Well today while walking I found this on the ground: 


A one ounce weight from... something. And you know what? It's heavy. We rarely get to see an ounce as a single hunk of steel. It's hard to tell the difference between 22 and 23 oz, or to get the impression that an oz of fabric weighs anything. But an oz of steel in your hand is a lot. Who wants that?

So, I think this is a good object lesson. I still carry my P38 on my keychain, not so much to open cans as to remind myself I can always open a can, and don't have to starve. 

Now I think I am going to carry this around as well. I encourage you to think about the same, or make your friends and co-workers (if relevant) try this. Get an ounce (a fishing weight, whatever) and take care of it. Carry it in your pocket for a week, and see how much more you think about the weight of items when you next pack your bag, or put stuff on your belt, pack or LBE before work. 


Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Another development in the Kitoy Armed Forces Modernization Plan (KAFMP)

Kitoy doesn't get a lot of attention in my posts basically because we never see them do very much. While they are fighting a pretty regular internal conflict with their neighbor, they have basically zero expeditionary capability so we don't include them in our roundups of the small nations in Afghanistan or for any regional peacekeeping efforts.

But they are fun to watch for equipment at least, as they are trying to implement a modernization program. As I covered in a blog post from January, the Kitoy Armed Forces Modernization Plan (KAFMP) is ambitious-sounding, but being implemented in a very non-linear and almost haphazard way.

This week yet another stage in the KAFMP seems to follow in that same 'pattern' of implementation.

Those of us monitoring the status of forces in the region took notice as the KAFMP issued their calls for submissions for a new uniform for KAF a few years ago. Nothing much seemed to come of it, and a short time later a draft RFP for the Individual Load Bearing Vest (ILBV) was released, again with little tangible results.

As it was clear that the ILBV should be OD Green it was thought that for sure the uniforms of the KAF would not change.

But that seems to not be true. In the background, the "Kitoy National Testing Authority" (a sort of standards setting body for the country) conducted extensive tests, down-selecting from an initial 17 camouflage patterns to four finalists for presentation to the Kitoy Chief of Staff.

And now we hear only days after hearing about the last four, that the KAF will move to the MultiCam pattern. Naturally, there are questions about that choice.

A review of the test results shows that of the four finalists MultiCam was not the highest scoring in the trials.

Pencott GreenZone proved to be the best in the Central Grafsten Highlands as well as good to superior performance in all environments save urban. Given that KAF almost entirely fights in the Central Grafsten Highlands, this seems the most important environment.

While the MultiCam did prove sufficient in all environments it was not the best in the main environment that KAF are engaged.

While OD green was not a stellar performer either — given the limited funding the KAF has — continuing to use what has been working for some time now and instead using the money spent on the new uniforms on the ILBV or upgrading existing vehicular assets seems more productive. One can take note that in the presentation slides we have access to, the idea that OD green shows wear and dirt more and is less suitable for the spit and polish of garrison. This appears to be a injection of a command structure worried about appearance over function.

The KTDC-3 is an interesting development which we simply cannot find enough about. It's a home-grown pattern, and apparently the third revision of something else we've never seen.

While it excelled on the Coastal Plains its proprietary design and all the costs associated with that makes one wonder why it was even considered, much less how it made it into the final down-select. It is pretty easy to speculate that there might have been some personal interests in keeping it in the race.

I chatted with some of my local contacts, and it seems that the only actual fabric production in Kitoy is based on some indigenous pattern; they sell the fabric to Albania for use in traditional wear, I am told. But ethnic weaving is not high precision printing on synthetic fabrics.

Coupled with regular issues getting any gear or uniform at all locally sewn, it is unclear how that would have been able to be a viable option. One can presume there were plans to outsource the production, or maybe they expected to build the industry in Kitoy. We may never know.

But back to what we do know, and that's MultiCam. So why was the decision for MultiCam? A student of the KAF can clearly see that they want to be seen as a truly modern military. OD green is not in vogue in the First World Armies. MultiCam and its variants have taken the place of the old Woodland as the sign of a "modern fighting force."

This combined with the veritable glut of surplus uniforms and equipment in the pattern — it is a small army, so cheaper is better — must have driven the Command and Political Leaders to choose MultiCam. This may prove to be a wise choice in the long run, but only time will tell.

Initial responses from the KAF gleaned from social media and some friends in the area indicate a lukewarm reception. While some Kitoi Soldiers welcome the more modern approach, some (especially among the veterans) seem to be reluctant to accept the change from their "greens."

What is clear is that the KAFMP is moving forward, however herky-jerky it may appear. We'll have to keep an eye on them in the future.

Monday, August 8, 2016

Kitoy Armed Forces Adopt Crye® Multicam™

Today the Secretary of State for Defense, the Chief of Staff of the Kitoy Armed Forces and a cadre of other military and civilian officials announced the next phase in the KAF Modernization Plan. After extensive testing by the Kitoy National Testing Authority, the KAF will be transitioning from the OD Green utility uniform clothing for all troops to Crye® MultiCam™.
As you can see, this portion of the program is apparently only for the uniform, as the KAF handouts demonstrating the look have OD Green insignia, brassards, web gear and helmet covers. Since the KAFMP has bought new tactical vests and other gear in OD green recently, we suspect these components will not be transitioning to a new pattern any time soon.

An update to the CAFR with complete details is promised to be forthcoming, but a summary notice or rules was released at the announcement.

KAFMP Phase 6A - Individual Camouflage Pattern

  1. Starting 1 October 2016, Crye® MultiCam™will be issued and is authorized for wear in place of the OD Green battle dress uniform. 
  2. OD Green uniforms may be retained and worn by individuals until the wear out date 31 October 2018. 
  3. During the transition period, members of the KAF may wear either uniform at their discretion. 
  4. Uniform components may not be mixed. E.g. OD pants may not be worn with MultiCam blouses. Soft hats must also match, but helmet covers may be of any authorized pattern regardless of the uniform worn. 
  5. Unit and base commanders have no authority to require individuals within their purview to wear either of the two authorized uniforms during the transition period. Units will necessarily not present a uniform appearance during the transition period. 
  6. During operations where armor, tactical vests or other items cover a large portion of the torso, the Combat Shirt is authorized for use in place of the uniform blouse. 
  7. There is no wear out date for outerwear at this time. OD green cold and wet weather gear is permitted regardless of uniform color and pattern being worn. 
  8. Individuals may purchase uniforms or uniform components that meet KAFMP requirements. US-issue OEFCP, OCP, and Scorpion W2, UK-issue MTP, Polish-issue Suez, and others with the same basic pattern and color scheme are permitted. Crye MultiCam Tropic, Arid, Alpine and Black variants are expressly not permitted. 
  9. Uniforms for personnel in specialist roles or tasks are unchanged and will be updated as needed, required, and technically possible at a future date. 
  10. This message has been authorized by the CoS, KAF. 
  11. The DCoS, KAF is the proponent of wear and appearance of uniforms by KAF personnel and will incorporate the guidance in this message into the Code of Armed Forced Regulations by 1 September 2016. 
  12. This guidance message expires 31 October 2018. 


Monday, August 1, 2016

Recommendations to the Kitoy Chief of Staff

Last week, the Kitoy Conclave of Generals concluded their annual meeting, and as usual provided a series of recommendations to the Chief of Staff in front of the press and other interested observers at a public session in Cyaiga on Friday.

Among the most expensive recommendations presented to the CoS are:
  • Increased availability of on-base healthcare for dependents and their families
  • Funding article 21 of the NAFA, mandating day care for all dependent children
  • Cease acquisition of the YPR-765 after 31 vehicles are acquired (expected in early 2017), and urgently explore options for vehicles capable of self-deploying across Kitoy, in all seasons
  • Reluctantly continue upgrading transport vehicles with the request that a single type of drivetrain and single fuel type be acquired fleet-wide whenever possible
  • Fully funding the block 6B acquisition of night fighting equipment, to include 3 aircraft thermal stabilized cameras, 11 armored vehicle mounted thermal imagers, 57 night vision weapon sights and 121 individual night vision pocketscopes with Steiner laser dots
  • Come to a decision on KAFMP uniform and equipment, and begin acquisition by 3Q16
A copy of a KMoD presentation was attached to the recommendations that outlined the KAFMP (Kitoy Armed Forces Modernization Plan) camouflage downselection.



The Conclave specifically indicated that upgrades to individual equipment have been promised for four years now, and that it is impeding the ability to use other new and expensive equipment such as rifles and sensors. 

Monday, June 6, 2016

Changes: What You Carry, and How

Before Swift Fox 16 a lot of you asked if you'd really have to carry everything in your ruck. And we answered "yes and no." Operationally, it worked out exactly as we expected. You guys dumped your rucks for patrolling or fighting, and went back to get them for overnight camping, sometimes sending a couple guys to relay them up, or using vehicles.

This is how light infantry works. We're not long-range reconnaissance, but light infantry. We can carry all our gear, but of course try not to.

A team moving their rucks from their overnight patrol base to a cache point before they go on patrolling operations.

We also noticed that we made you carry some stuff that you didn't all need. A tiny bit we've made not required, but most of it was unused because the weather was pretty nice. And in fact when the weather got cold at night, there was some clambering to get back to the packs and get warmth layers.

Anyway, we've codified all this a bit further by... adding a piece of equipment. You also have to bring an Individual Ready Bag. This is anything reasonably sturdy and in subdued colors, but make sure it's waterproof or has a waterproof bag inside. It will be stacked up at the Company/Troop supply depot, and if you need anything they'll look for your name and bring it forward to you.

Packs, weapons and other supplies are right next to the pallet of ammo in the rear area.

The bags can then be left behind when you abandon a Patrol Base, and picked up, and so on as the need arises.

You are only required by the rules to put your spare uniform in there, but your Team Leader may allow (or require) you to leave more stuff. This could be anything, from your cold weather gear to your sleeping bag. So, plan your bag accordingly, and bring something big enough to support your expected load. An A-bag or a spare small rucksack or large assault pack would do. It will get tossed around a bit so no boxes or hard cases, please.

This doesn't look like much, and it shouldn't. The patrol has tarped their cache point to keep it from being too visible, or getting wet if it is rained on.

Monday, May 30, 2016

Pull Forward to Tighten

Chest rigs and vests don't really work unless they fit you. That means they snugly grab all over your torso. If you need wider or padded shoulder straps, you probably don't have it tight enough.

But the makers don't encourage this behavior. They tend to have one or two side release buckles (SRs) which also adjust it if you pull to the rear, and are then secured with a triglide so they never change. You are apparently supposed to set it up in the squad bay, then never change it.

But we have fat days, cold days where we wear more clothes, etc. We change, and need to be able to change the size of our rig, ourselves and as we wear it, easily.

The principle, if there is one, is to switch to pull-forward-to-tighten. A single adjustment, ideally, that allows the user to change the diameter of the rig as they need. Since a front adjustment or anything else would be a massive redesign, all we need for the gear makers to do is change the buckles to have the adjustments on the front edge. Then we could reach just past our hips, grab the spare strap, and tighten (or grab the SR and loosen).

Well, we can't do that (easily: some will do it if you custom order), but we can re-rig the webbing sometimes. I just did it on my new Hellcat so thought I'd explain that in detail as an example for you all. If this ever bugged you, now you'll maybe be able to fix it.



First, don't cut anything. You can probably do this just by taking apart your adjustment bits and running them different directions. If not enough webbing or you want more hardware, then go buy it. I'd also keep the old parts and webbing so you can go back to the original config it you want, or you need to sell it.

Anyway, first, we take it all apart. My rig has 2" SRs on either side. Between the two runs a single piece of webbing, which passes through a tunnel in a hydro bladder I have on it. This is a good thing for what we will do.

In my case, I set aside the original webbing and am using 2" seatbelt webbing. It is slicker so reduces friction, but maybe too much so we'll see if it releases on it's own. But, I could have done this with the original webbing it came with. 

I secured the new webbing to the left SR. I sewed it down, but you can finagle it with just threading through and tape or maybe a few hand stitches so it stays put.

Then, I rant the webbing through the tunnel to the right SR, and wove it through the buckle like usual. The biggest trick involves this. We don't change how it works, but it will still pull to the rear to tighten.

Except, we now have a lot more webbing. So, take the long loose end and run it back through the tunnel. It will end up hanging loose on the left side.

I like to adjust things with the left hand, so the right can keep securing a rifle. Often I want to adjust this while actually on the move, so it allows that more easily. You can switch sides, of course. 

Put it on, and you will find you can easily reach right behind the rear-most pouch and find a hunk of webbing hanging. Pull and it tightens up the rig! Reach around the right side, and you grab the right-hand buckle and tilt it up to release and loosen.



Now, you don't want loose webbing so another thing is to secure it. I made a bunch of extra, and sewed over the end. Then, my left-most pouch is the IFAK, so not used much. I run the loose end up and across the lid of the IFAK. The sewn end should snag on the lid so it doesn't come out.

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

New Unit Position Insignia

We didn't think through all the real world consequences of giving your unit position insignia (rank) and it... didn't go as well as we hoped. Not that many epaulets, and it's hard to find time to sew in the field.

So while thinking about other changes, we came up with this:


As a leader or commander of any sort, you'll be given a brassard. Slip it over your arm, button or pin to the top of your shoulder. Left side in Woodland or DPM for Ardea, right in OD green for Kitoy. Instant, portable insignia!

Proper patches as well as your position are pre-sewn, and you just slip it on over your uniform, or cold/wet gear.

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Hellcat - Steven Hoober

Since you asked, we've promised to discuss equipment decisions, tips and tricks that we do. More are coming, but if you want to see something specific just ask us.

My normal chest rig is something I sewed up myself a few years back. It's got two problems for CWG events:
  • It is for 5.56 mags only
  • It is starting to wear out. 
Not to mention it's a mix of khaki and UCP. So I put together a battle belt rig for Swift Fox 16, and it worked okay. But I've been on the lookout for a replacement for both.
It was especially hard to use with one arm in a sling. 

And over the past few months have concluded that doesn't exist. Universal rigs sacrifice too much to carry all types of mags. So, over time I'll be looking for two rigs, and eventually will do things like duplicate all the accessories, so I don't have to reset from one to the other, but both are just on hangars, waiting to go.

If I didn't change between blanks, live and airsoft, they'd be on the hangars loaded with mags, even.

Hellcats of the Ozarks

On the way to the work weekend for Least Weasel, we hit up a few surplus stores, and long after I got bored with the fact nothing interesting was there, I stumbled across an old SoTech Hellcat for a steal. Actually, it's a full MACHS, but that's just a Hellcat MkII with some med pouches. I love surplus store finds like this. It's not all used up, but seems to have been set up, maybe used in the schoolhouse, and then abandoned. Almost unused. And the front split was entirely unused. People do this sometimes; they like the front-center to be a pouch, or like over-the top rigs so bridge a center-open rig with a pouch. Works for me, as I like split front rigs, and get that primary wear point, unused.

Here it is pretty much finished off. Keep reading to find out how and why I got it there.

While the MACHS is pretty recent (and current I think) issue, the Hellcat is an old school design. Okay, not ALICE old, but it was the cool guy thing around 2004. So why the hell do I want something like that? Well... because of the way the world went, with all plate carriers and load on the armor. Aside from CWG banning that, I personally agree with why, and want a rig I can use without armor.

I also like front opening rigs, as they are easier to get on and off, and can be opened up for comfort in prone and elsewhere like a traditional belt load. And, I like that the shoulder straps are wide, flat webbing. Padding gets soaked, gets full of thorns, and more. Tired of those.

To a certain degree, "lightweight" is a state of mind. If you go look at OIF I photos, you'll see people with rigs like this, stacked with mags and other stuff, looking all Michelin Man. For that intense fight, when some people legitimately seemed to need 14 mags as basic load, that worked. But me, I am going to restrain myself, and have lots of empty MOLLE webbing.

Which is a key reason I like this style of rig. It has integral mag pouches, and some other organizer pockets sewn in. So with no pouches it does a fair bit of work. And that also means it's not particularly heavy, even compared to modern rigs. I suspect a Fight Light 2-Piece MAV (a rig I often suggest to people) with Helium Whisper mag pouches would be lighter than my Hellcat slick, but not by a lot, and there's still the same bulk, or more.

Setting up: 

So, this is my 5.56 rig, and aside from that being my primary actual shooting LBE, I'll (almost certainly) be Kitoy for the next Op, so spent the day working as little as possible, and configured it.

That means first I have to pull out my last two rigs, and make stuff to optimize it.

Almost first, you must adjust to fit you. Seriously, do this, a lot. Get helpers to find gaps and floppy webbing. Most LBE and armor carriers I see are not fitted right; yours probably isn't right, either.

Color, Name, Glow

I like khaki as a color of accessories, but this is pretty sandy, so a bit light. You'll see later I put green pouches on, which helps, but I still wanted it a slightly different color. Dye is a bit of a slog, and I don't necessarily want it OD green, either. So, I did the next best, dusting.

The shoulder strap nearest the paint can is duster. The other is not. Compare. It's subtle, but it helps.

Spray paint can be used on fabric in very light... layers. I hesitate to call it a coat, as you want about 1/5th of a normal coat. Further away than usual, tap the nozzle, while moving to get even coverage. 2-3 times is usually enough to change the color just a bit. It is subtle, so do it by sections or keep a pouch or something to compare to, so you don't go overboard.

Once that's done, the next thing I do is label, and add cateyes. In this case, there's velcro, so it's mostly just a matter of sticking them on. I am out of green name tape, so just used an old UCP one here but will replace that eventually. I also had no cateyes suitable for the space. So I made them.


Adhesive glow tape is readily available. Go get some adhesive velcro, cut the cateyes to size (it's more expensive) and a larger piece of hook side velcro. Peel the backing off both, and stick them together. Cut to size. Get some Teflon coated scissors or use something you don't mind gooping up.


No velcro on your rig? Write your name in sharpie or something, and glue on the glow tape. Adhesive won't work, but if you remove the adhesive backing (rub it till it peels up, take it off) and use some good contact cement, they will stick forever. The plastic doesn't sew well, so I always glue them on.



Wire and Tube

Lots of stuff we want to add to our rigs is not simple clip on stuff. It isn't a pouch or other accessory designed to go on, or to go on permanently. Without resorting to wire ties and speed tape (please! no tape!) there's a lot you can do.
In the center, Grimlocs are great. A little plastic carabiner, that loops through webbing. DO loop the slop through the MOLLE webbing, so it is oriented right. I discuss how I use these a little more later.

Top left, clockwise:

  • D-Ring adapters. I actually cannot find the ones I have so the link is different, but the principle is the same. Turn D ring sideways, pass through MOLLE, and you have a loop to hang stuff on. I use them for all sorts of odd stuff, like upside down to make battlebelts hang off shoulder straps. 
  • Velcro onewrap ties. They make a variety of these, and you probably have some on a laptop charger or something. I use these thin ones because they are dirt cheap and thin. They don't stick as well, and aren't super re-usable, but for semi-permanent modifications are better as they lay almost totally flat, pass through things, and you don't mind ruining them. 
  • Velcro onewrap tape. Onewrap is just velcro with hook one side, loop on the other. You can buy it as roll of straight webbing, also. Useful to velcro things to other things, wrap around a cable or item to make it stick to velcro, and more. 
  • UV keychain light. Good to carry to charge up cateyes, compasses, etc. I have it in a little sock of tubular webbing, and it hangs by gutted paracord. But it's here because hard things like this can make noise. Instead, cover them in fabric like that to keep them quiet. When hanging the light is way back inside the cover. 
  • Annex Clip. Temporary, quick detach MOLLE clips. Want a pouch to be super easy to remove? Use these instead. Note they mostly sell a sew-on version where it's permanently on one pouch. You can't use that unless you sew your own gear. Get the temporary one. 


Today I'll show you how I attached my hydro tube. I use an old school SDS carrier as it's square, so has no wasted space or bulk in the hydro pocket, but is a little insulated. The extra tubing is... complex to explain. Ask me later. 

I passed it through the proper port, then ran along the side of the shoulder strap. My old rig had a pass through along the shoulder strap, but that gets tedious and can gather junk, water, etc. This is exposed, but better overall I hope.

I used the OneWrap ties to attach it. Note that I did not tighten them up too hard, so it wouldn't bunch up. the velcro means it grabs the webbing a bit, so it can lay flat. It works.


Note that I also have a funny clip down there, too. That's... something I found. But it works. Keep spare plastic bits you find on broken packs and rigs. This one has a loop in the back side, which the OneWrap tie is attached to. Then since it's so thin, I ran that under the webbing, pulled the clip into it and kept goes around. I ran out of tie so... attached another to extend it, like doubling the length of a wire tie. Works great.

Radio cables would be run much the same, but since I am not a dedicated radio guy anymore, I didn't actually put any of my PTTs on. However, I did make sure to leave plenty of the shoulder MOLLE for them. That's why I anchored the hydro tube where I did. Do plan ahead.

I am using the map pockets behind the mag pouches for my notebook, compass, pens and some lightsticks. Sadly, no organizers for pens, so I need to come up with something for that. There's enough velcro, I am thinking of making some little elastic-on-velcro pads just for that. Could work.

Note the Grimlocs on the front. Dummy cords go through there, so you can remove the item to use it if needed. My compass is the only thing corded on now. I specifically do not do that with the pace beads as they have a tendency for me to get lost anyway, so I have to permanently anchor them to a piece of webbing. Note that I have things like this hanging below the mag pouches, so they cannot get tangled in them.

Pouches

Okay, I am not running this slick. If I was just a gunner, I might, as I have my mags, the map pockets can store the notebook and snacks, and I have a hydro carrier. But I am me, and have sensors, and tools, and... stuff. I tend to carry too much stuff as an admin/leader, so I put on more pouches.

But I cheat here. I use floppy pouches. My favorite is the Spec Ops X6. They make X2 and X4 also. The number is how many M4 mags they carry, and the X6 is also the size of a SAW pouch. But they have one layer of fabric, and no other structure so weigh very little, and collapse to nothing when not used.



So, I stuck two of those on the right side. The forward one is about where my old rig's right side one was, but to provide room for water bottles, or if I am a SAW gunner again, one can be the reload pouch, one the admin/utility pouch.

By default, I put... nothing in there. Not a thing. They are spare space for the way I run my rig, and everything else has a home elsewhere.

IFAK

The last thing is the IFAK. I carry a larger one than you might, but all based on actual problems we've encountere. It's not full of chest seals and spare TQs as we don't get blow up or shot. There's a TQ, Izzy and gauze, but it mostly has supplies we are likely to need like a half SAM splint, Aleve and bandaids.


I have been carrying my IFAK items in a clever quick-detach, fully-opening pouch I sewed. But I just said we don't get shot at. So, it's overbuilt, bulky, heavy and in UCP. So, I'm canning that. I have made a sort of halfassed pullout instead, using a CP Gear organizer in yet another X6 pouch. One advantage of a pullout is I'll be able to transfer it between rigs, or carry it as a general FAK when not carrying the LBV at all. I also need to get a label on the pouch.  



Now if I was likely to be shot, not only would I have something easier to open, I'd also stick the CAT in a holder near the center of the rig. Why? Because you might be trying to tie off an arm; if I loose my left arm, I am not going to get anything out of the IFAK way over to the left.

Fit and Test

Now, try it on again. It won't fit as things have changed. Move stuff as needed. Then strap down the loose webbing bits.

I am not big on cutting off spare. This has yards of spare webbing as I am wearing it crazy high, but maybe I change my mind, sell it, gain lots of weight. Cutting cannot be fixed, so I prefer to loop them off and secure them.

Don't use tape. It is not permanent, and ruins the webbing anyway with adhesives. I like rubber bands.


Or more specifically, old bicycle inner tubes. Cut slices to make indestructible rubber bands. They work by tension, so arrange them near hardpoints like triglides and SRs, or just back it with a bit of plastic card so it doesn't bunch up or fold.

I also slightly re-rigged the back panel adjustment to pull-to-tighten. Basically, all LBE is designed to be fitted, then never changed. But we fluctuate in size, if only due to clothing, armor, etc. If you don't wear the LBE (or an armor vest...) fairly snug around the torso, all the weight goes to the shoulders. That's wrong.

So you need to be able to tighten and loosen while wearing. I took off the lockdown triglide and ran the extra strap for the right side through the tunnel to hang down the left side. I can reach under the IFAK to grab the strap and tighten, or reach to the right to release and loosen. Works. Not optimal, but this is all done without replacing straps or sewing, so I may do more later once I try it a bit. Example: Replace the right side SR with a Camloc so I can change adjustment without any tugging and cursing, then lock it down. Maybe something like that.


Next, I need to try this all out. Sometime, I'll find an excuse to walk around in the woods, and get time to go to the range and shoot from it as well. I will find issues, as there's no way to tell in your house or squad bay if everything worked perfectly.

Monday, May 23, 2016

Least Weasel 16 Work Day

Your CWG staff visited the Operation Least Weasel 16 field over the weekend, talked with the land owner, inspected some items, got the boundaries nailed down on the map, and more that we won't tell you about right now.



Don't forget that special early bird pricing ends soon. Sign up by the end of May to pay only $100 — that's $25 off the full event fee. Act fast!

P.S. While down there, we also made some additional arrangements for the super-special winter event, Operation Inca Dove 17. Stay tuned for announcements on that soon as well.

Monday, May 16, 2016

Changes: Machine Gunners

We've made some changes to encourage use of machine guns at CWG events. Hopefully you'll all bring your MG now that you've seen how useful they can be, and with these changes to make it easier on you.



  1. The machine gun can now be your primary weapon. No need to carry a rifle anymore. 
  2. Likewise no need to have a rifleman's LBE. Machine gunners can set up their load bearing gear to carry MG ammo, not rifle magazines...
  3. Which is the last clarification. Machine gunners can carry ready to load ammo on their body. It works just like all other spare ammo or munitions; it just has to be the right size and appear to be machine gun ammo. 
Just get some SAW pouches on your LBE, and block them up with cardboard or foam so they are as bulky as if you have them loaded with 200 rounds of link. You can then carry as many pellets in loaders, baggies or whatever, as you have onboard the gun when full. 


You can also do things like get the cheap and readily available SAW boxes, and put the same amount of ammo in those. Real feed boxes and bags have snaps, zippers or removable endcaps making it easy to get inside, but keeping the contents pretty safe. Toss your pellet bags in there, then you can fit in in the SAW pouch, leave it at your patrol base, or just let it be carried around by anyone on the team as spare ammo.

Remember there can be up to a machine gun per fire team so there's lots of opportunity to field these. 

Monday, May 9, 2016

Changes: Explosives

As a result of your feedback, and the actual performance of individuals at Swift Fox 16, we have updated, clarified or in a few cases changed rules. These are not all in place, but as we finish them we'll review each important change in turn here. 

There were some conflicts, un-helpful details and unclear rules about grenades, mines and other explosives before.



We've now cleaned them up, and the basic rules for heavy munitions and explosives are pretty simple:
  • If it goes boom or bang, it will cause casualties to anyone within 5 feet. 
  • If it also expels BBs, it is better at causing casualties as it also expels BBs which go further. 
  • If it doesn't go boom or bang, it cannot kill people. The inert TAG, Nerf or other rounds required to attack vehicles have no effect on people. If you shoot one into a crowd of enemy, no one pretends it explodes, and nothing happens. 
There are a few edge cases; if you actually manage to get hit with an inert round, you are still hit and become a casualty. But that does not give you permission to try to shoot at people with rockets.

Land mines have also been clarified. Not in rules, but in the equipment requirements. This all takes place in the modern world, and neither of them are pariah countries or over-run by terrorists. So we abide by international law and are signatories to compacts such as the Ottawa Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction.

Anti-personnel land mines are therefore generally not allowed. However, anti-vehicle and other types of self-initiating mines are permitted. There is still some use of anti-personnel mines, due to the consideration that they can be employed defensively within your own country. Check with your chain of command before using any mines to assure they are allowed, and safe to use.

Command detonated explosives such as Claymores are not considered land mines, so are always permitted.

Read more:

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Changes: Casualties

As a result of your feedback, and the actual performance of individuals at Swift Fox 16 we have updated, clarified or in a few cases changed rules. These are not all in place, but as we finish them we'll review each important change in turn here. 

Ardean medics were not very effective because they died a lot, going to help casualties where they fell. Kitoy medics did much better, because they worked to have casualties brought to them. We've added explicit information about moving casualties now in order to encourage this behavior. Partly, we discuss proper ways to move casualties so players do not actually get injured, but we have also add a tiny bit of buddy care. While being moved or otherwise closely paid attention to by another player, your 5 minute timer is paused so there's a chance to get you back to the medic.



The medic is probably at a Casualty Collection Point, which we're now allowing to be the name for an actual tactical location the medic sets up near the battle.

The old CCP is now called an Aid Station. The Company (Kitoy) or Troop (Ardea) Aid Station is also notionally a staffed mini hospital, with doctors, nurses and guards. Therefore, it cannot be attacked or raided in any way. We'll also be sure to more carefully use universal red cross markings on them, as we all abide by the laws of land warfare so wouldn't attack a marked medical facility.

You cannot hide munitions in the Aid Station, so there are better specifications for how close people and equipment has to be to be getting recovered, and how far away bases and ammo dumps have to be.

We've also added some other details about borrowing equipment, and clarified the way some rules were written.

Read the Hit, Medic and Respawn rules for more details.

Questions, comments? Ask them here and we'll answer them or clean up the rules further as needed.

Monday, April 25, 2016

The Early Bird gets the...

...well in this case to keep more money in his pockets.

Register for Operation Least Weasel 16 by 31 May, 2016 and pay only $100! Spend that $25 you save on some cool gear or grenades if you want.

Even if you miss the 31 May cutoff you can still save $15 if you register before July 31st.

After that it is the full price of $125 until registration closes on 12 September, 2016.

We value those that plan ahead and we are showing this by saving you some money.



Read more about the event and register at:
http://centralwar.com/events/LeastWeasel16.shtml

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Operation Least Weasel 16

CWG is proud to present the next installment of the ongoing conflict in the Central Grafsten Highlands.

This fall both sides will once again prepare for a last push before taking up positions to wait out the winter.

Pick your side, and sign up now.


Tuesday, April 5, 2016

AAR for Aredeans at Swift Fox 16

This is the After Action Review for 2nd Troop, 5th Squadron 23rd Frontier Dragoons (Plamanec Brigade) on the actions of 1-3 April 2016 in Special Administrative Region 1, near Maros, Narseh.

Since this is a virtual AAR, the Troop Command Staff will start with the following. Read on for how you can contribute.

Plan: Perform movement into AO shortly after 0600 Friday 1 April 2016. Establish HQ and OP on ridge west of road 19. Conduct operations in the AO to identify Kitoy outposts, troops concentrations, supply depots and MSRs. Using this intelligence, develop plans to destroy or displace Kitoy forces by phase lines. NLT 1200 on 3 April, no enemy forces are to be present west of 15S UA 510 Easting.

Performance: Movement to AO was delayed approximately 2 hours so occurred in full daylight, though movement and setup was not in the end compromized. HQ was established as expected and reconnaissance patrols sent out by 1000 1 April.
OP was not entirely effective due to heavier than expected tree cover (even thermals were of only limited value), and radio issues.
Patrols, ambushes, and movements to contact conducted for remainder of operational window.
Enemy was not sited as briefed, so some time was wasted scouting areas with little or no enemy activity. Plan advanced to next step and a more forward posture was adopted. This resulted in repeated enemy contact, but limited manpower and transport reduced the ability to exploit gains in many actions.
Inconsistent security practices, poor communications due especially to hills, and lack of contingency plans resulted in some needless losses, displacement of forces and loss of time.
By 1200 Sunday 3 April, Kitoy forces were severely weakened but still had presence west of 15S UA 510 Easting with enemy reinforcements in the vicinity.


Improve:
  • At least one light utility vehicle is a must for resupply and to assist units moving sustainment gear over larger distances or rough terrain. The M35 was used on initial deployment, and to pick up troops and equipment at end of game, but was far too loud, large and slow in such terrain for other purposes.  
  • Ribbon antennas for the PRC-68/126/128 radios instead of the short "rubber duck" both for ruggedness and to increase transmit/receive range.
  • Make plan to establish forward caches of water and ammunition as ground is gained, to help sustain the fight without long-distance supply runs. 
  • Better contingency plans for when unexpected contact is made, routes are cut off, or comms are down. 
  • Coordinate initial tactical movement better with event administration check in process to avoid tactical delays and risks. 

Sustain:
  • Use of the Commonwealth model of organization and tactics.
  • Broad issue of radios to teams, assisting with coordination and changes in plans. 
  • Use of heavier HQ staff as a filler, reserve and strike force.
  • Ability of HQ to both have a base camp to coordinate, and to move for command or support from the field. 

Leaders:
Please add your comments on Performance as you saw it on the ground. Post to the comments section here.

Dragoons:
We want to hear from everyone! Add your Improve and Sustain items in the comments as well. Everyone can contribute, with anything as long as it's about the tactical and operational performance of the unit in the field.

Game related issues should go in the event feedback thread. Kitoy will get their own just like this, soon.

Monday, April 4, 2016

Event Feedback for Swift Fox 16

This is the first of several after action review format threads we'd like you to contribute to. All non-structured feedback and war stories we encourage you to place on the Central War Gaming Facebook page. We will of course read all of those as well to get a more complete picture of the event and what you all liked or disliked. This will help us prioritize what to fix or adjust and what you liked we need to keep doing.

There will also soon be tactical AARs for each side, covering how well you performed your mission. But to us running the game, our first mission was running a good game.

Plan: Conduct a  MilSim event Starting 0600 Friday 1 April and running until 1400 Sunday 3 April, 2016. Provide the storyline and logistics to allow attendees to conduct operations and get a feel of immersion into the fictional world.
Structure the mission objectives of each side such that the attendees need to conduct operations to build the intelligence picture and then exploit that information.
Target a good balance of fieldcraft with airsoft trigger time. Plan the logistics to allow minimal setup and tear down time.

Performance: Actual start time was nearly 2 hours late. Attendees then conducted operations until 1400 Sunday, though there was some miscommunication where some attendees/staff understood that it was to end at 1200. While individual percentages may differ overall each attendee did a balanced amount of field craft to airsoft trigger time.

Improve:
  • Streamline Check-In even more.
  • Possibly delay planned game start to allow check in to be done in daylight. This may have to vary by season. 
  • Ensure both sides have at least one light utility vehicle to perform logistic resupply as well as move rucks over longer distances/rough terrain.
  • Ensure Endex is understood by all attendees (and staff) prior to event start

Sustain:
  • Keep the 'world model' and expand on the details
  • Keep the logistics level where it is as the set up and tear down are within the acceptable window

What we need from the attendees:
Now we want you to add more. We need your feedback as attendees of Swift Fox 16, both good and bad. We need them in a format that is clear, consistent and actionable.

  • Improves for areas where something needs to be fixed or adjusted.
  • Sustains to identify what is working as it should right now. So we do not change them.

Please post these in the comments as separate lists, much like our initial post. Even if somebody has already submitted something, if you feel the same submit it as well.


Photos from Swift Fox 16


We had a photographer posing as in-game press for much of the event, and have posted all those photos to Flickr. All Flickr photos tagged with the event name, including those, are up here:

We'd also like to see what photos or videos you have shot! As you tell us, or we stumble across them, we'll add to the list here. Please tag all photos you share as Swift Fox 16 so everyone can find them. 

Lost and Found: Swift Fox 16

To make sure there's a permanent list of lost and found items, let's try posting everything here. Just respond to this posting with what you lost and what you came home with you do not recognize or didn't mean to.

Every once in a while we'll update this post with a consolidated list of all of them. Please spread this around so everyone knows where to share their lost and found status.

I'll start!

Lost

  • Felco pruners, OD green. Last seen Sunday when I had Beik hand them to me at the HQ. Don't seem to have them, cannot recall where I put them - Steven Hoober
  • Blue handled EMT shears, probably fell out when I was rolling around machine gunning everyone that one time Saturday - Steven Hoober
  • Green, Pattern'58, poncho - Tom Ready
  • Black, King Arms, 90rnd L1A1 magazine - Tom Ready
  • USGI canteen, should have a red mark on the bottom - Mercy 
  • Medic Bag, I let Josh Pearson use my bag and at the end of the event he put the bag in with all of the medic supplies. It is a shoulder bag with a red and white cross on the front and I would say it is gray/green in color. It is some sort of foreign military bag - Dan Delaunois 

Found

  • PRC rubber duck antenna, new in wrap. - Steven Hoober
  • M16 magazine, marked Fritz, found at Kitoy CCP - Brett Conklin 
  • Green kneepad, found at Kitoy CCP - Brett Conklin
  • Green pilot's helmet bag, found at Kitoy CCP - Brett Conklin
  • Kit, First Aid, OD cloth zipper case by ROTHCO. Was placed on my ruck Sunday and put in my ruck for loading up into the truck - Troy Buddenhagen 

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Getting to D-Day and Camping Out

Swift Fox 16 will be held at D-Day Adventure Park, near Wyandotte, Oklahoma. An address suitable for mapping and car nav systems is:
D-Day Adventure Park
66800 E 175 Rd
Wyandotte, OK 74370

But Google, and most mapping systems, tend to take you slightly twisty and dumb ways. Sometimes, across things like low crossings that flood a lot. So instead, here's the suggested route from Kansas City as an example of the last bits, at least.

In maps, here's where the park is relative to the local highways. The best Kansas City route comes down OK-137, through the State Park:

Once you get to that area, the easiest way to get to the field is to turn south off US-60 onto OK-10. Take the first left (it's a little ways down there) onto E 160 Road. Turn right across a bridge briefly onto N 670 Road, then left onto E 166 Road, till it dead ends. Turn right (onto Cayuga Road) and look for the large sign indicating D-Day Adventure Park to the right.


Once on site, we'll be checking in by army. Check the map, follow the signs, and don't go to the other army's campsite or parking lot.

Try to park in neat rows, and look carefully at where you have parked. Make sure you aren't blocking others in, or restricting access to buildings, equipment or for other vehicles such as tractors or trucks. Do not block roadways. There are large parking areas available if you have an oversized vehicle or need to unload a trailer. Look around, or ask. 

You are free to camp overnight Thursday, but try to keep it quiet. Many people will be resting from long drives, and we all need to get up real early to get ready.

No campfires, except in existing fire rings (there are a few) and be sure to put them out fully before you go to sleep. Take your tents down in the morning, and stow them and any other equipment you are not bringing in your vehicles. Pick up all your trash, and place it in dumpsters or stow it in your vehicles for after the event also.

There are many buildings, vehicles and other equipment on site. Don't mess with any of it unless we tell you specifically that you may use one of them. Also, do not explore outside this area, and especially do not go wandering off onto the field.


You can download all the above maps for easier printing if you wish to bring them with you.

Saturday, March 26, 2016

Prowords

As we put together the commo section of the OPORDS, it seemed like it might be a good time to remind everyone of good radio procedure. If you don't use these all the time, it might be good to brush up on some basics.

So, here's a list that should be pretty much all of the correct prowords for use when talking on any radio system. Spread these around as much as you want, and try to memorize these, and their proper use.

  • ALL AFTER - Referring to the portion of the message transmitted after the portion which will be repeated after this proword.
  • ALL BEFORE - Referring to the portion of the message transmitted before the portion which will be repeated after this proword.
  • BREAK - Brief separation of the message text from other text. Follow by briefly ceasing transmission on half-duplex systems.
  • I COPY - Received the following message (followed by read-back of message as received)
  • CORRECTION - An error has been made in this transmission. Transmission will continue with the last word correctly transmitted.
  • DISREGARD THIS TRANSMISSION - This transmission is in error and should be entirely disregarded. Only used while still transmitting the message, never after it has been received or acknowledged.
  • DO NOT ANSWER - Stations called will not answer this call in any manner. Use as the end of the transmission, immediately before “OUT.”
  • ENUNCIATE - Receiving station cannot understand, due to clarity of sending operator. Say all words more clearly
  • FROM - When relaying a message, the C/S of the original station sending follows “FROM.”
  • GOOD COPY - Message received and recorded completely.
  • I SAY AGAIN - This station is repeating the transmission or portion which immediately follows.
  • I SPELL - This station will spell the next word phonetically.
  • MESSAGE FOLLOWS - A message which requires recording is about to follow. The message will be transmitted when the receiving station acknowledges it is ready to record the message.
  • MORE TO FOLLOW - Transmitting station has additional traffic for the receiving station.
  • OUT - This is the end of my transmission to you and no answer is required or expected. Only the station that initiated the conversation should terminate the conversation and say OUT. 
  • OVER - This is the end of my transmission to you and a response is necessary. 
  • READ-BACK - Repeat the entire transmission immediately preceeding back to me exactly as received.
  • RELAY (TO) - Transmit this message to all stations indicated. The address component is mandatory when this proword is used. E.g. "Relay To X-Ray One Foxtrot..."
  • SAY AGAIN - Repeat your entire last transmission.
  • SILENCE - Cease transmission on this net immediately. Silence will be maintained until lifted.
  • SILENCE LIFTED - Silence is lifted and you may resume transmitting.
  • SPEAK SLOWER - Your transmission is at too fast to understand or to record. Reduce speed of transmission.
  • THIS IS - This transmission is from the station whose designator immediately follows.
  • TO - The addressees immediately following are addressed for action.
  • UNKNOWN-STATION - The identity of the station with whom I am attempting to establish communication is unknown.
  • WAIT - I cannot respond for a few seconds, standby.
  • WAIT OUT - I cannot respond for more than a few seconds. Will reestablish communications when available; stand by. 
  • WILCO - I have received your signal, understand it, and will comply. To be used only by the addressee. Do not use with “ROGER” or follow with “OVER.”
  • WORD AFTER - Referring to the word of the message transmitted after the portion which will be repeated after this proword. 
  • WORD BEFORE - Referring to the word of the message transmitted before the portion which will be repeated after this proword.
  • WORDS TWICE - Communication is difficult to receive. Receiving station requests transmitting each phrase (or each code group) twice.
  • WRONG - Your last transmission was incorrect. The correct version message follows.



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