This past week-end I had the distinct pleasure of running with one of the best scenario teams on the east coast at the MPP produced Patton Rolls: Operation Cobra. Hosted by Command Decisions in Taylorsville, NC.
Capital Offense is without a doubt one of the top teams playing on the east coast; from their incredible sponsorships, their tactical skill, and just being a great bunch of guys (and girl) to be around! First let me thank Dave Thompson, the team captain, for letting me run with his merry band. It was a blast and a great opportunity to see a top team in action. Also, guesting with Capital Offense was Jason "Foolybear" Lineberger. I did not have a chance to talk to Foolybear but it was cool watching one of paintball’s most prolific journalists on the action side of the camera.
This was supposed to be a getaway game for myself and Runaway, Team Boxer’s captain, since we don’t get to play much when we are running the team. So we conspired just to show up and play at this event. Dave had asked if we were coming to the game a few days earlier so I called him to ask if we could run with his crew. He responded with a resounding “not a problem!” However, due to work Runaway was unable to make it so I was on my own.
I drove up early Saturday morning and hooked up with Dave and company at the field. Dave and I had already agreed that I would act as their anti-armor support so I brought WOP1. To lighten my load I decided to play with my urban camouflage Phantom stock pump. Although I love my Phantom I rarely get a chance to play with it these days, which is a shame given it is a great marker. Also, the urban camouflage anodizing is a real eye catcher and looked great with my subdued digital BDUs...
Given the turnout at last year’s MPP game, Guadalcanal, I was expecting plenty of tanks to shoot at, but alas, I was to be disappointed. This game was a lot lower key than last year's (which I did not attend). This year’s game had far fewer tanks (I think only 3 or 4) and 200 participants. While this did not diminish the fun of the game it did change the atmosphere. I must admit, I was looking forward to a Guadalcanal type of experience but ended up with something quite different, not better or worse, just different.
This game was different in a lot of ways. First, the normal grouping of teams that play CD was not in effect. The Fulda Gap Warsaw Pact teams were split on opposite sides, with Recon-1, Rogue Cell, and EPIC on the German Side. Werewolf, the Rogue Cell Captain, was the German General. I thought his black trench coat and German officer’s cap was pretty cool! Although he must have been hot as Hades!
On the American side was Capital Offense, Lethal Paintball, and me (low key Boxer representation). Other teams present included B-Squad, Krisis, The Rats, Shadow Group, Port City Militia, and two teams I am looking forward to playing with at Fulda, Section 8 and Southern Discomfort. Southern Discomfort’s captain, Havoc, was the American general. There were a lot more teams present than the short list above but I’ll move on.
After getting my registration done and picking up my one box of paint I geared up and headed over to the Capital Offense tent. Present where the usual suspects; Dave, Lisa, Fonzy, Bishop, Big Dog and the rest of the crew. After a round of greetings and introductions and then the safety brief, Dave took his new guys on a field walk while the rest of us waited for the game to start. At about 11:20, Big Dog got those of us still at the tent going and we headed out to the American CP.
Havoc was in his command bunker at Rex getting things organized, which he seemed to be doing a great job of. Given the late start, most of the teams were at the CP ready to go. Havoc was busy issuing final pre-game orders and guidance as the teams began to position themselves to move out.
CO’s initial tasking was to move to secure Sim City then wait for mission taskings. Another team was to follow behind and lay mines. CO was given responsibility for running all missions in the vicinity of SIM / Alpha / Apache / Hamburger / Ducket and Holiday. Another team had the northern side of the field.
Since I was not in a command position, I was not privy to what other teams were doing or what Havoc’s overall strategy was (I didn’t even turn my radio on). Dave had sent out a planning e-mail before Havoc was announced as general but I’m not sure to what extent it was used.
While an unusual feeling for me (not being in a command role), it was quite liberating. This was the first time in quite a while I was just an average foot soldier only responsible for myself and I had a great TIME! What a change of pace! Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoy being the XO/Operations Officer for Boxer, but it was nice just to be able to play and not have to worry about radios, squad positions, missions ect… I was free to just play!
Okay on to the game. At the starting rocket Capital Offense heads off full tilt to Sim with Dave out in front leading the charge. Of course my age and lack of conditioning dictated that I move at a somewhat slower pace But I arrived none the worse for wear. This was the where I really began to see Capital Offense at their best.
The best way to describe their style of play is disciplined, controlled, and stealthy! When we reached Sim they immediately established a defensive perimeter along the north western corner of the base then we waited for the first mission to come in. Another thing I noted about Capital Offense is that they don’t seem to have to do a lot of talking in order to get things done, people just seem to know where to go. Whether this is a function of a ton of practice or just playing a lot together I cant say, but they all seemed to know what to do with very little direction.
While at Sim the only action we saw was when the Wallace tried to attack us from the rear entrance. I moved to take him out with the WOP1 and got a shot off which fell short. I tried to maneuver for another shot when the ref said the tank was out! I was not aware of another American launcher in Sim and I knew my round fell short. So I am not sure how the tank was taken out. In any event I decided not to question it and move on. No sense in having to face that beast if I didn’t have to. Other than that there were a few sporadic exchanges of fire but nothing of any merit. After about 15 or 20 minutes we got our first mission. Take out the German CP. With very little effort Dave got the team moving. Big Dog suggested I hold back with him at the rear of the column (tactically sound, keeping your rocker launcher safe).
We moved out in what appeared to me to be a staggered column. Not that I saw any command given, the team just seemed to fall into place. As we moved they maintained great noise discipline and excellent tactical movement. The first few team members in line seemed to act as an advanced guard. When they made contact the column would stop and the advanced guard would move to eliminate the threat. Again displaying great discipline, as I have seen many teams just rush up to overwhelm the threat with all the noise and fire giving away their position. While the advanced guard did its thing the rest of the column just waited, maintaining a high level of alertness. Once the threat was eliminated the column would start moving again.
Another thing I noted was their fire discipline. I didn’t see or hear long drawn out strings of fire. Short bursts followed by aggressive flanking movements. To quote the Marine Corps’ creed, they aggressively closed with and destroyed the enemy with superior firepower! I was quite impressed with the way they operated. Not that I didn't know how good they were, but knowing a thing and seeing it for ones self are two different things!
Just short of Hamburger the team made contact again. Once again the advanced guard began to aggressively engage while the rest of the team held back. After a few minutes of exchanging fire Big Dog deployed the rear half of the column to attack Hamburger. Dave took the front half to the other side of the road. Capital Offense's transition from a traveling formation to an attacking formation (getting on line) went very smooth and the attack commenced. Very quickly we were at the German CP and the command staff was eliminated. A brief conversation ensued about whether we could destroy the tent with a rocket launcher. After a few minutes it was decided to shoot it so I let loose with the WOP1.
David then redeployed the team in a defensive position around the CP as we had to hold the base to complete the mission. I think this is the point where we were hit by an artillery strike that took out most of the team guarding the German CP. As we move of back to the American base Werewolf and his command team reoccupied the position.
Capital Offense ran several more missions throughout the course of the day. There was the one mission up at DZ 1, another "take and hold" mission. We got into position with no problem, established a defensive perimeter and then waited. While there Dave and I took the time to chat a little about Fulda and rest our tired feet (at least mine were). However, I'm not sure if we ever were credited with completing the mission as there was some confusion with the Referee's.
Then there was the TRAP mission in the afternoon. TRAP is the Marine Corps acronym for Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel. By this time I had exchanged the WOP1 and the Phantom for my Invert MINI since there wasn't any tank action. We were at the CP when Havoc issued the order to Dave to head to Sim to retrieve a downed pilot. We moved out at a quick pace. Once at Sim the team fanned out to search for the pilot in the buildings and vehicles. However, after locating the pilot it was passed down that we also had to find a radio and a map. To be honest I'm not sure if those two items were ever recovered because I became focused on a high volume of fire comming from the direction of of Rex. Not wanting to have someone come through the woods adjacent to Rex and suprise us I posted myself just outside the treeline and sure enough there was movement in the woods. Allowing my eyes to adjust to the lower light levels I could just make out the yellow tape (we had red) on the side of the players mask. Taking aim, I let loose with a string of 5 shots that hit the target. My only elimination of the day!
By this time I'm comtemplating calling it quits. Given I'm usually in a static position coordinating tactical operations, moving around the field had taken its toll. But before calling it a day I returned to the American CP that was by this time under INTENSE pressure from the Germans. They were flowing out of the woods accross from the airplane next to Rex. The paint was flying hot an heavy as the Germans attempted to push hard. Then out of the woods pops Otto, of Team Krisis, with the German flag in his hands rallying the troops! I dont know if this was an actual mission but he ran out into the open and stuck the flag into one of the square white bunkers before retreating.
With the German flag flying proudly in the open the Americans were stirred up like a hornets nest and began pushing the Germans back. Someone started screaming to take the flag down as it was an affront to the Americans. Some young gun dashed out into the open and knocked the flag to the ground. All of this while hundreds of paintballs filled the air.
By this time the phase was winding down for the dinner break and I decided it was time to pack it in. Since I had only planned on playing the Saturday day session I headed back to the van to pack my stuff. A few minutes later I heard the rocket signifying the end of the day phase.
After getting my stuff packed up, I walked over to Wop's car to check out the second launcher he is building for Boxer, the WOP2. While still in its basic components, I could see that the WOP2 was going to be off the chain! I hope he'll have it ready for our next game in June.
Before leaving I walked over to the CO tent to say my goodbys. Dave invited me to go to dinner with the team (I really wanted to), but I knew I had to get home to the family. All in all it had been a great day of paintball! I truly enjoyed running with and being around Capital Offense. They are a great bunch and outstanding ballers to boot!
So thanks to all my Capital Offense friends! Dave, Lisa, Ben (BAMF), Carl, Aaron, Nick, Chris (Big Dog), Bishop, Mike, James (Cookie), Jon (Fonzy). And congradulations on another MVT!
Also, a big shot out to Foolybear! I didn't get a chance to kick it with you but you can sure sling that paint!
To my man Dread. As-Salāmu `Alaykum my brother. As always it was good to see you. It's been a while since we played on the same side. We need to make some time to sling some paint side by side one of these days.
Greenman! Semper Fi Marine! It was kind of wierd seeing you without your gear, but as always it was cool seeing you! Looking forward to rolling with you up at ION.
Congradulations to Havoc and the Americans for their victory? Havoc, I look forward to seeing you and Southern Discomfort at Fulda. I'll be in touch!
To Wolf and the Rogues, Krisis, Rats, Recon-1, EPIC, Shadow Group and and the rest of the Americans, you put up one heck of a fight. Job well done!
Thanks To Ferg and LeeAnn for running a first rate operation.
This was my first MPP game and I look forward to my next!
See ya out there!
Capital Offense is without a doubt one of the top teams playing on the east coast; from their incredible sponsorships, their tactical skill, and just being a great bunch of guys (and girl) to be around! First let me thank Dave Thompson, the team captain, for letting me run with his merry band. It was a blast and a great opportunity to see a top team in action. Also, guesting with Capital Offense was Jason "Foolybear" Lineberger. I did not have a chance to talk to Foolybear but it was cool watching one of paintball’s most prolific journalists on the action side of the camera.
This was supposed to be a getaway game for myself and Runaway, Team Boxer’s captain, since we don’t get to play much when we are running the team. So we conspired just to show up and play at this event. Dave had asked if we were coming to the game a few days earlier so I called him to ask if we could run with his crew. He responded with a resounding “not a problem!” However, due to work Runaway was unable to make it so I was on my own.
I drove up early Saturday morning and hooked up with Dave and company at the field. Dave and I had already agreed that I would act as their anti-armor support so I brought WOP1. To lighten my load I decided to play with my urban camouflage Phantom stock pump. Although I love my Phantom I rarely get a chance to play with it these days, which is a shame given it is a great marker. Also, the urban camouflage anodizing is a real eye catcher and looked great with my subdued digital BDUs...
Given the turnout at last year’s MPP game, Guadalcanal, I was expecting plenty of tanks to shoot at, but alas, I was to be disappointed. This game was a lot lower key than last year's (which I did not attend). This year’s game had far fewer tanks (I think only 3 or 4) and 200 participants. While this did not diminish the fun of the game it did change the atmosphere. I must admit, I was looking forward to a Guadalcanal type of experience but ended up with something quite different, not better or worse, just different.
This game was different in a lot of ways. First, the normal grouping of teams that play CD was not in effect. The Fulda Gap Warsaw Pact teams were split on opposite sides, with Recon-1, Rogue Cell, and EPIC on the German Side. Werewolf, the Rogue Cell Captain, was the German General. I thought his black trench coat and German officer’s cap was pretty cool! Although he must have been hot as Hades!
On the American side was Capital Offense, Lethal Paintball, and me (low key Boxer representation). Other teams present included B-Squad, Krisis, The Rats, Shadow Group, Port City Militia, and two teams I am looking forward to playing with at Fulda, Section 8 and Southern Discomfort. Southern Discomfort’s captain, Havoc, was the American general. There were a lot more teams present than the short list above but I’ll move on.
After getting my registration done and picking up my one box of paint I geared up and headed over to the Capital Offense tent. Present where the usual suspects; Dave, Lisa, Fonzy, Bishop, Big Dog and the rest of the crew. After a round of greetings and introductions and then the safety brief, Dave took his new guys on a field walk while the rest of us waited for the game to start. At about 11:20, Big Dog got those of us still at the tent going and we headed out to the American CP.
Havoc was in his command bunker at Rex getting things organized, which he seemed to be doing a great job of. Given the late start, most of the teams were at the CP ready to go. Havoc was busy issuing final pre-game orders and guidance as the teams began to position themselves to move out.
CO’s initial tasking was to move to secure Sim City then wait for mission taskings. Another team was to follow behind and lay mines. CO was given responsibility for running all missions in the vicinity of SIM / Alpha / Apache / Hamburger / Ducket and Holiday. Another team had the northern side of the field.
Since I was not in a command position, I was not privy to what other teams were doing or what Havoc’s overall strategy was (I didn’t even turn my radio on). Dave had sent out a planning e-mail before Havoc was announced as general but I’m not sure to what extent it was used.
While an unusual feeling for me (not being in a command role), it was quite liberating. This was the first time in quite a while I was just an average foot soldier only responsible for myself and I had a great TIME! What a change of pace! Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoy being the XO/Operations Officer for Boxer, but it was nice just to be able to play and not have to worry about radios, squad positions, missions ect… I was free to just play!
Okay on to the game. At the starting rocket Capital Offense heads off full tilt to Sim with Dave out in front leading the charge. Of course my age and lack of conditioning dictated that I move at a somewhat slower pace But I arrived none the worse for wear. This was the where I really began to see Capital Offense at their best.
The best way to describe their style of play is disciplined, controlled, and stealthy! When we reached Sim they immediately established a defensive perimeter along the north western corner of the base then we waited for the first mission to come in. Another thing I noted about Capital Offense is that they don’t seem to have to do a lot of talking in order to get things done, people just seem to know where to go. Whether this is a function of a ton of practice or just playing a lot together I cant say, but they all seemed to know what to do with very little direction.
While at Sim the only action we saw was when the Wallace tried to attack us from the rear entrance. I moved to take him out with the WOP1 and got a shot off which fell short. I tried to maneuver for another shot when the ref said the tank was out! I was not aware of another American launcher in Sim and I knew my round fell short. So I am not sure how the tank was taken out. In any event I decided not to question it and move on. No sense in having to face that beast if I didn’t have to. Other than that there were a few sporadic exchanges of fire but nothing of any merit. After about 15 or 20 minutes we got our first mission. Take out the German CP. With very little effort Dave got the team moving. Big Dog suggested I hold back with him at the rear of the column (tactically sound, keeping your rocker launcher safe).
We moved out in what appeared to me to be a staggered column. Not that I saw any command given, the team just seemed to fall into place. As we moved they maintained great noise discipline and excellent tactical movement. The first few team members in line seemed to act as an advanced guard. When they made contact the column would stop and the advanced guard would move to eliminate the threat. Again displaying great discipline, as I have seen many teams just rush up to overwhelm the threat with all the noise and fire giving away their position. While the advanced guard did its thing the rest of the column just waited, maintaining a high level of alertness. Once the threat was eliminated the column would start moving again.
Another thing I noted was their fire discipline. I didn’t see or hear long drawn out strings of fire. Short bursts followed by aggressive flanking movements. To quote the Marine Corps’ creed, they aggressively closed with and destroyed the enemy with superior firepower! I was quite impressed with the way they operated. Not that I didn't know how good they were, but knowing a thing and seeing it for ones self are two different things!
Just short of Hamburger the team made contact again. Once again the advanced guard began to aggressively engage while the rest of the team held back. After a few minutes of exchanging fire Big Dog deployed the rear half of the column to attack Hamburger. Dave took the front half to the other side of the road. Capital Offense's transition from a traveling formation to an attacking formation (getting on line) went very smooth and the attack commenced. Very quickly we were at the German CP and the command staff was eliminated. A brief conversation ensued about whether we could destroy the tent with a rocket launcher. After a few minutes it was decided to shoot it so I let loose with the WOP1.
David then redeployed the team in a defensive position around the CP as we had to hold the base to complete the mission. I think this is the point where we were hit by an artillery strike that took out most of the team guarding the German CP. As we move of back to the American base Werewolf and his command team reoccupied the position.
Capital Offense ran several more missions throughout the course of the day. There was the one mission up at DZ 1, another "take and hold" mission. We got into position with no problem, established a defensive perimeter and then waited. While there Dave and I took the time to chat a little about Fulda and rest our tired feet (at least mine were). However, I'm not sure if we ever were credited with completing the mission as there was some confusion with the Referee's.
Then there was the TRAP mission in the afternoon. TRAP is the Marine Corps acronym for Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel. By this time I had exchanged the WOP1 and the Phantom for my Invert MINI since there wasn't any tank action. We were at the CP when Havoc issued the order to Dave to head to Sim to retrieve a downed pilot. We moved out at a quick pace. Once at Sim the team fanned out to search for the pilot in the buildings and vehicles. However, after locating the pilot it was passed down that we also had to find a radio and a map. To be honest I'm not sure if those two items were ever recovered because I became focused on a high volume of fire comming from the direction of of Rex. Not wanting to have someone come through the woods adjacent to Rex and suprise us I posted myself just outside the treeline and sure enough there was movement in the woods. Allowing my eyes to adjust to the lower light levels I could just make out the yellow tape (we had red) on the side of the players mask. Taking aim, I let loose with a string of 5 shots that hit the target. My only elimination of the day!
By this time I'm comtemplating calling it quits. Given I'm usually in a static position coordinating tactical operations, moving around the field had taken its toll. But before calling it a day I returned to the American CP that was by this time under INTENSE pressure from the Germans. They were flowing out of the woods accross from the airplane next to Rex. The paint was flying hot an heavy as the Germans attempted to push hard. Then out of the woods pops Otto, of Team Krisis, with the German flag in his hands rallying the troops! I dont know if this was an actual mission but he ran out into the open and stuck the flag into one of the square white bunkers before retreating.
With the German flag flying proudly in the open the Americans were stirred up like a hornets nest and began pushing the Germans back. Someone started screaming to take the flag down as it was an affront to the Americans. Some young gun dashed out into the open and knocked the flag to the ground. All of this while hundreds of paintballs filled the air.
By this time the phase was winding down for the dinner break and I decided it was time to pack it in. Since I had only planned on playing the Saturday day session I headed back to the van to pack my stuff. A few minutes later I heard the rocket signifying the end of the day phase.
After getting my stuff packed up, I walked over to Wop's car to check out the second launcher he is building for Boxer, the WOP2. While still in its basic components, I could see that the WOP2 was going to be off the chain! I hope he'll have it ready for our next game in June.
Before leaving I walked over to the CO tent to say my goodbys. Dave invited me to go to dinner with the team (I really wanted to), but I knew I had to get home to the family. All in all it had been a great day of paintball! I truly enjoyed running with and being around Capital Offense. They are a great bunch and outstanding ballers to boot!
So thanks to all my Capital Offense friends! Dave, Lisa, Ben (BAMF), Carl, Aaron, Nick, Chris (Big Dog), Bishop, Mike, James (Cookie), Jon (Fonzy). And congradulations on another MVT!
Also, a big shot out to Foolybear! I didn't get a chance to kick it with you but you can sure sling that paint!
To my man Dread. As-Salāmu `Alaykum my brother. As always it was good to see you. It's been a while since we played on the same side. We need to make some time to sling some paint side by side one of these days.
Greenman! Semper Fi Marine! It was kind of wierd seeing you without your gear, but as always it was cool seeing you! Looking forward to rolling with you up at ION.
Congradulations to Havoc and the Americans for their victory? Havoc, I look forward to seeing you and Southern Discomfort at Fulda. I'll be in touch!
To Wolf and the Rogues, Krisis, Rats, Recon-1, EPIC, Shadow Group and and the rest of the Americans, you put up one heck of a fight. Job well done!
Thanks To Ferg and LeeAnn for running a first rate operation.
This was my first MPP game and I look forward to my next!
See ya out there!
