Night Operation Observations

Night Operations are probably one of the funnest ways to enjoy the sport of airsoft. Why? Its a different type of game play. IMO (in my opinion) a lot more exhilarating. Not only are players more cautious but players tend to wait for things to happen but you never know what is around the next corner partly because its dark and you cant see. 

 

The video comes from B.O.E (Black Ops Elite) captured using the PVS-14. The video displaying night maneuvers in the Utah desert is probably my favorite night op videos to date.




Key Observations
A key idea to night operations is to communicate without being heard, likewise, to operate while not being seen (for the most part). Unless it is your plan to be heard and be seen (see: Shock and Awe) airsoft players should strongly consider these observations on their next night op.

• Strategize

Notice in the video that they have split the party up into teams; Viper 5, Viper 6 & Viper 7. Remember to plan and attack accordingly; the team on video (Viper 6) was the bait and the other down range was the flank. Viper 6 created a diversion while Viper 5 moved in. By drawing fire away fire from the attacking force it allowed Viper 6 to go un-noticed. The same principle can be applied in a withdrawal from an area using a diversion (see: suppressive fire)

• Radio
  

Another key idea is to use radio's (with headset if possible) when you can. Due to the lack of light it would be unlikely that you will be able to see your teammate so hand signals would be a weak option. Normal verbal communication could possibly give away your twenty (location) or worse tactical information. It would be advised if players communicated using radios to organize a plan of attack or communicate a change in the plan.

• Make disadvantages, advantages
  

Be mindful of giving away your position. Even something as simple as a tac-light can give away your position or direction of attack. Only use in bursts or for quick peaks. Most airsoft players will shoot directly at light if illuminated in their direction. However, you can use this to your advantage. Teams could use light as decoy to draw fire in while other players flank and shoot from where the BB's originated, sound familiar? It would be smart to invest in low signature lights for close quarter clearing. These will be enough to illuminate the working area without emitting a high signature.

MilSim Junkie, what about tracers? There awesome, nuff said, with or without a tracer unit the game is still the same. With tracers you are likely to track a hit or apply suppressive fire more efficiently, however, for the most part tracers are their for looks.

I hope this post will be beneficial to those looking to improve their night operation tactics. In the many night operations that I have participated in the use of strategy and communication are going to be the deciding factors. Success is dependent upon you and your teams ability to plan and strategize your attack.