Battlefield communications has become one of the most complex aspect of BB wars now days. Why is that? Well, it is a combination of limited civilian frequency options, untrained commo users and an over dependency on radios. But, what can we really expect in a sport of players that spend more time working on their look and not enough on their craft? There is also a misconception that all modern warfare hinges on every soldier in the fight being connected on the radio network. Well, I hate to burst your bubble guys. Here comes a heavy dose of reality for everyone.

Communications is crucial to success on the modern battlefield. Even in this modern age of the Global War on Terror; a time in which we are fielding the best radios this country has ever produced the network we communicate on has only a few people on it. That's because successful communication is managed communication. It isn't over crowded with everyone's thoughts. Even in the always idealized and emulated Special Forces they understand that all members do not have to be on a radio to be successful on their missions.

Somewhere along the line the Airsofter/milsimer has confused this. I guess you see enough movies or see enough photos online with operators wearing headsets. So you think, well everyone's talking. This is just not true guys. You are seeing headsets for several reasons and even if they are hooked into a radio. It doesn't mean that soldier has forgotten the importance of nonverbal communications.

What do nonverbal communications consist of on the battlefield? I'm talking about communications without talking. Yes, you can effectively communicate without a radio. But who does need a radio first and who needs one last? It's simple guys, as you work your way down the chain of command less people need radios. Oh no, that evil thing called the chain of command, again.

So at an average big op you would start at the op commander of each side. The commanders are obviously on the radio with their platoon leaders below them and the event staff. No one else needs to talk to the commander other then specially assigned units. This a small closed cycle for ease of communication and an open network. Platoon Sergeants should be available to talk up higher but this position requires more of a monitoring of the radio then actually calling up. Let the platoon leader worry about that.

At the platoon level your platoon leader should be monitoring two radios. One radio talks and monitors up the chain and his other radio talks down to the squad leaders. Trying to do both of these jobs on one radio will eventually screw you up. Just don't do it and set yourself up to fail. You need to be able at a seconds notice communicate what's happening to higher ups and also send orders down to your squad leaders. Once again your platoon sergeants mirror the platoon leader but isn't actively tying up the net, he's a relay and back up to the platoon leader as needed.

Once you get down to your squad leader this is where Airsofter/milsimers start to really get it wrong. The squad leader can be the last soldier in the line to be on a radio. Yes, no one else in the squad needs to be on a radio. It is possible to be completely combat effective without everyone else having inter-squad chatter frequencies available. So what do Commanders hear?... "But, this is how my team trained and we have always had radios???" It's time to rethink how we train our squads in communications.

Let's see what could go wrong with your team dependent on radios. First, your equipment could simply fail you. It might be that you broke it, it needs batteries or just not powerful enough. Secondly, there are not enough frequencies available for your squad to have its own. So, all of that training with radios is wasted. The third and most common problem with a team's dependency on radios is they simply are not trained. I mean they are a team unable to use proper radio procedures or communicate tactically.

No one can blame teams for just not knowing any better. The sport is so wrapped up in its addiction to radios that many are a junkies that won't give up their fix. The sport in general needs radio rehab. A multi- step program to ease teams need to have a radio, teach proper use, and train for an alternative. What is this silver bullet that will save your squad from this evil addiction???

Hand signals, visual signal, and just learning how to talk face to face.

Good nonverbal communication has helped this country win wars for decades. The grunt on the ground knows that no matter how sophisticated communications gear gets; when you are on the front lines, creeping through the bush, and getting ready to breach the right hand signals will say it all and more than you think.

Now, it's not just hand signals I'm offering you.

Visual signals created and trained on a teams can be a real game changer. I'll give you three simple tools and there are as many as your imagination can come up with. First, most of you have flashlights or emergency strobes to signal your position during day or night. Second, you should have some kind of signal panel in your gear. This is an ideal way to mark cleared areas or buildings for friendly forces. Third, I know many of you rock replica PEQ15s that have a perfect laser to signal an attack in day or night when properly used. It is not a look cool laser sight to point at individuals, that'll just give you away.

Look at that. Three ways to signal and communicate visually without needing to talk on the radio. I will warn you, this does require more planning and training prior to your events. But, that is alright since it just means you are more Milsim. Isn't that what you want anyways???

Now let's not forget good old fashioned talking to someone. Too often, teams just don't communicate in person right. Teams are so caught up in the secret squirrel mentality that they don't communicate in room clearing. Teams forget that once they take contact in the woods, it is time to talk and tell your guys what's happening. Remember, that once the first shot goes off or breach is made, secrecy goes out the window.

Hand signals may seem old school to the Airsofter/Milsimer. Signaling devices might seem like too much work. But I want you to remember that even the most badass Devgru or Delta guys are still out there using the simplest systems and techniques to win the War on Terror. BB wars is more about major conventional forces clashing anyways. Our conventional forces still train and execute those basic hand signals/signaling devices in combat today.

If it is how we are still winning wars to this day. Why can't airsofters/milsimers get it right?

You will find as your team grows closer, learn each other's skills better and it will just make you more combat effective over all. The lack of radios forces improved verbal and non verbal skills. It forces better planning, like rally points if you have to go back to the start point. Let's make your team and the sport better by breaking the radio addiction.

Let's do it right.

Just one grunt's opinion,

Javier "Darkhorse"

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About The Author

Javier "Darkhorse" Franco, formerly from This Week In Airsoft, runs his own Airsoft Blog at Facebook called "One Grunt's Opinion." This article has been posted here with the author's permission.