Airsoft Game Formats

Paintsoft --- MILSIM --- RealMil

Intro - This article is used with permission from the author, EricX, who is a 9 year airsoft veteran as well as a US Army Ranger Veteran. It deals with airsoft play styles used in the North Carolina airsoft community as well as by some military and law enforcement groups for training purposes. There is no intent to diminish the value of any particular style of play in the eyes of the player/reader. All of these play styles have a place in the sport called Airsoft.

It boils down to these aspects for each style:
Realism
Cognitive Challenge
Type of Operation
Speed/Level of Action
Teamwork
Competition
Overall Mentality

Realism--
RealMil: Realism is the goal in RealMil, from uniforms and unit structure to medic rules and magazine restrictions (sorry, 3000 round magazines for small arms do not exist in the real world). It's also why pyrotechnics are allowed and vehicles in normal situations (rules at the current location limit this though). RealMil squads are patterned in structure from US Army ODA's and Marine rifle squads all the way down to organized insurgent-type groups depending on the scenario. Strict limitations are placed on the employment of special weapons (SAW/Support guns, Sniper weapon systems, M203 or other heavy weapons, etc). Roles (command, medic, sniper/scout teams, support gunner, etc) are usually assigned specifically based on the scenario and team size. It is common to see real body armor and gear used among other real world gear. If casualty cards are used, adjustments are made for those wearing armor (lower kill ratios). RealMils use a "mission admin" to keep the Op running smooth and make adjustments in the field to keep the scenario going or if things get lop-sided. RealMils were initially used (and are still used) as training Ops for real operators.
Milsim: A level of realism is required in milsim but it isn't as strong as it would be for a RealMil. Uniform requirements are in place but more flexible and some limitations on magazines and special weapons (SAW's, sniper weapon systems, etc) are applied. Milsims use little or no medic rules but if there are any, they are geared for faster play. Since Milsims tend to be large in numbers, they often employ referees to keep the game in line and handle any disputes (such as cheating or rule clarifications).
Paintsoft: Little attention to realism is needed... just action. A simple scenario is often used but more than not it's a simple action-packed death match. Typically no referees are used since games/matches tend to be in small groups.

Cognitive Challenge--
RealMil: "Thinking" is what it's about and RealMils require thinking on all levels from individual efforts/assignments to the overall objective. Having a sound battle plan and a backup to go along with it is essential and the thinking and decision making from every member on the team can mean the difference between success and failure. It's wits and cunning that win in RealMil, not necessarily the trigger finger. It has been demonstrated in the past on several occasions that a mission can be successfully accomplished without having to fire a shot.
Milsim: Not as much thinking but formulating a good plan for the objective or overall scenario helps. The most thinking comes from an overall battle plan from the top and a tactical execution of it at the squad level.
Paintsoft: No thinking required... all action. Just kill the enemy and/or go for the prize (capture the flag, take over the fort, kill all the enemy, etc).

Type of Operation--
RealMil: This is the real divide... RealMils are based on an objective; that objective may be to find something, blow something up, recover someone, flush out resistance, perform reconnaissance, gather intelligence, protect an asset, etc. It's not about your kill score as much as it is the mission... in fact, if you focus on your kill score and fighting, you may loose your objectives.
Milsim: Mostly Milsims are about taking and holding territory but there may be secondary objectives within the scenario. Scenarios are simple and set up for action as well as employing teamwork. Teamwork is essential in victory but the individual dictates how this is utilized on the field.
Paintsoft: No real objectives; maybe a capture the (whatever) or attack-defend but mostly they are death matches with little to no team tactics as much as it emphasizes individual tactics.

Speed/Level of Action--
RealMil: Speed is usually slow and cautious. With medic rules that may limit or disallow regeneration or medic healing, it's important to use your resources (people) wisely. Also the focus is on the objective not how many people you kill. As a result, the action is usually less intense if not sporadic but it does have moments of high intensity if proper teamwork (squad tactics) is utilized.
Milsim: The action is usually pretty intense with moments of boredom between (guarding an outpost). Depending on the regeneration/medic rules, the action can get intense and heated as one side fights for an advantage over another.
Paintsoft: All action... no objectives or thinking which leaves it open for fast paced combat. Think speedball. Depending on any regeneration rules, games are usually done in rounds... one side survives/claims victory, end of round. More rounds usually follow.

Teamwork--
RealMil: Teamwork is critical to completing the objectives... period. Squads are set up in ODA format (real world SF teams) with some members holding specific jobs like command, medic, demo, support gunner, sniper/scout, etc. Communication is also critical whether it's radio, hand signal or verbal. The objective is the mission not necessarily combating the enemy so teamwork is critical by this aspect alone.
Milsim: Teamwork is essential to victory but isn't always employed effectively due to the level of action going on within the game. Medic and regeneration rules also effect this to an extent and can create a mix of individuals doing their own thing and teams working together.
Paintsoft: No teamwork necessary; think of a dozen Rambo's out there trying to kill each other. A lot of fun without having to work with a group or formulate a tactical plan (although working with a group helps).

Competition--
RealMil: RealMils are not supposed to be competitions. There are no winners or losers... only objectives to complete. In fact, if a competitive mindset is used in RealMils it often brings out the worst in players and degrades the overall feel of the Op. The purpose of a RealMil is to learn and give a personal effort for a team-based cause... airsoft guns just happen to be the tool. There is no prize or reward for victory in RealMil, only the satisfaction of doing a job and learning along the way so competition, at least in the conventional mindset, is kept to a minimum.
Milsim: Competition is usually high (sometimes abnormally high). There's also the "us-vs-them" mentality that leads to some pretty intense action. Competition is usually focused on the team but the individual can set the tone in most cases whether good or bad.
Paintsoft: Competition IS what this is about mostly based on the individual but team competitions are common. If there were an airsoft tournament or competition, this would be the preferred style of play.

Overall Mentality--
RealMil: Like mentioned before, RealMils were initially started for training real-world operators. That's the mentality encouraged in the operations. Sure, there are some strong gaming aspects but "gaming" implies competition and competition is NOT what this genre is focused on. Individuals are expected to give it their best as a part of a team working to complete a set of objectives. Focusing on those objectives may be alien to some when faced with the opportunity for action but the focus has to be serious and mission oriented.
Milsim: Milsim mixes mindsets from the serious objective-minded to the less serious action-based. Combined with a high level of competition, it can bring out the best and worst of players but if the focus is "game" all have fun despite a few expected bumps. Milsims don't have a specific mentality as much as an average mentality when it comes to how the game is played and at what intensity level.
Paintsoft: Since it's all about the action, that's the mentality. Intense competition with an emphasis placed on the individual and the individual effort. While some teamwork is utilized, it isn't necessary.

In closing, it's the MINDSET and TYPE of game that make each "class" of airsoft game. Realmils tend to be serious and, like mentioned, more training operation than game. Paintsoft games don't require much thinking so if an afternoon of just action is what you want, these are the best way. Milsims tend to be in the middle; while there is a mission, there is also a lot of action. There are limitations in place (medic rules, regeneration, magazine restrictions, etc) but that acts mostly to control the overall tempo of the game. Not as mindless but action-packed as paintsoft or as serious and realism-oriented as a RealMil, most of the players out there tend to gravitate to this type of game.
Bottom line: if you like action, play Paintsoft... if you like realism and a cognitive challenge, participate in a RealMil... if something between the two is to your liking, try a Milsim game.

Quite simply put.... Airsoft offers something for everyone from action to education.