I had a great time playing. It was good to meet new players and put faces to names here from MIA.
Thanks!: To the Hellfish for organizing and running the event. Thanks also to Greg, the owner, for hosting. And thanks to Greg's 'team', for the great pulled-pork sandwiches, chips, and pop. It was nice having food at the field.
Objectives: I liked the multiple objectives. Great job to the US player who solved the math problem - he reviewed his answer back in the US spawn zone just prior to starting, so the US was ready to take that objective. Having to pop the balloons, especially those deep in enemy territory, gave reason for the US squads to push harder. Finding and defacing the propaganda 'posters' led to some good teamwork - "Hey cover me while I draw a dick on Muammar's face" - and funny moments. However, that effort did drop off somewhat after lunch.
Finding, moving, and hiding the 'boxes of cash' was worthwhile too, as the US team accomplished to get all five boxes in both the morning and afternoon sessions. However, rather than hiding the boxes deep behind the spawn zone, a team should have to cache them in a 'base' located forward of their spawn zone, such that they have to defend against the enemy trying to reclaim the loot.
Teamwork: The majority of the US team did a great job staying together in loosely formed squads of 3-5 guys. That teamwork, in addition to decent radio communication, led to very good results. Kudos to the US 'Commander' who frequently asked for, and gave, sit-reps. Comms were used very effectively to get reinforcements to areas where they were needed.
Hit-calling: To put it into perspective, from my experience, it was a fraction of the overall game play (hits called versus non-called). What frustrated me in a few instances was the lack of fast, disciplined hit-calling. Note to new players: When you get hit, IMMEDIATELY yell "HIT", raise your hand, stand up, put on a kill rag, and move away. Don't even contemplate whether you think some one else saw, or even wait to see if you get hit again. Just call it and move out.
I did witness the incident A1 described in his post. I point that out because it was an classic example of a delayed call - a guy gets hits, waits a second or two, and then continues on, hoping no one saw and/or hoping not to get hit again. In this case, he got hit again, from both A1 and I - simply delaying the inevitable.
Again, while this unacceptable behavior did take place a few times, it was a fraction of the overall good hit-calling. However, it is still a concern because it should not be happening at all.
On a positive note: I never heard anyone yell "Hey I hit you!" or "Hey call your hit".
Memorable moments: There were quite a few, but the following stand out:
1. A1 and I hunting down and successfully taking out the Libyan sniper back in the marsh.
2. Ambushing and taking out a entire squad of Libyans, with A1. He put down, and took, fire from their front, while I moved in behind their right flank. In a matter of moments, all 5 opponents were down, no US casualties.
3. Later in the afternoon, A1 (again) and I confronting the Libyan sniper near the side of his base, and, again, taking him out.
4. Being in the lower part of the Libyan base with Gimp, and after shooting off a few rounds, watching in bewilderment as the Libyans left the cover of one of the 'forts' and flee up the hill. We gave chase, and after a few exchanges of fire, the Libyans regrouped at the next larger fort higher on the hill. They finally took us out with some great shots.
All good stuff.
I look forward to playing at Matrix again soon.
PS: Thanks to the guys taking pics and vids to capture the action:
picasaweb.google.com/113885616313185822792/103011HellfishAirsoftMilsim#5669449415505712658