Fog of War

Webster Definition for Fog of War: the uncertainty in situational awareness experienced by participants in military operations. The term seeks to capture the uncertainty regarding one’s own capability, adversary capability, and adversary intent during an engagement, operation, or campaign.  Names have been changed to protect the innocent.

As I neared the remains of what was the northern wall of the city center’s open market, shots rang out. Pop! Pop! Pop!

I felt a sharp sting in my thigh just as I cleared the corner. I knew I had been hit but I could not afford the luxury of tending to my wound or waiting for help. I had a job to do and yelled to my partner, probably 20 yards away to provide cover fire as I hopped, stumbled and fell behind some sort of support column.

Pop! Pop! Pop!

More shots erupted from a second forward-left position. I saw them strike harmlessly near my feet. Pop! Pop! Pop! Another volley made their way toward me and my partner. Randy was hit. He immediately, dropped his weapon, hobbled a few yards and fell. I instinctively began to move toward him when…

Thump! Thump! Thump!

More incoming rounds impacted the wall in front of me, inches from my head. I glanced over at Randy and could see…he was finished. Nothing I could do. A second member of my team laid down protective cover fire so I advanced my position. I then returned the favor and he made his way a few feet forward to a more secure position.

And so, it went for over 2 hours. Making small advances on a well-armed, entrenched enemy all the while fire and inflicting as much hurt as possible. The whistle blew signaling the end of our competition. A few bumps and bruises but we all survived. I made it through my very first Paintball battle on the very first full day of my 73^rd year. I had a blast, in more ways than one. Thanks to my son-in-law Cam and my two grandsons. I apologize if this is all old hat to you. I came late to the party as my daughter opted for the American Girls doll collection.

Rematch

I returned to the Paintball Arena several weeks later with relatives visiting for a family reunion. That battle was larger, more intense and casualties took a higher toll.

Within 5 minutes of the start, I managed to shoot Henry, the 10-year-old son of my wife’s cousin in his back and left arm. Yes, 10-year-old. Yes, in the back. Cowardly? But, in the “Fog of War” when tensions run high and emotions are raw stuff happens. Instincts kick in and it’s- kill or be killed so to speak. You see someone even for a split second, and you shoot. Just like that…without any thought. It is your enemy after all. In my defense he is big for his age. He left the arena in tears.

Wait. It gets worse.

The battle raged on. Still feeling a bit like a bully and somewhat ashamed, I rounded the corner of a concrete bunker, saw an enemy combatant and fired 3 quick shots. The last round struck Becky, the 14-year-old daughter of my wife’s niece in her throat. Yes, she’s a girl. Yes, in the throat. There is no gender or age discrimination in Paintball. She dropped her weapon, clutched her wounded neck and left the arena, clearly in discomfort. I felt terrible but soldiered on.

A moment later and none too soon the remaining member of the opposing team surrendered. Clearly out-numbered and unable to see through his helmet visor smeared with thick wet paint of every color. My team was victorious but our win felt hollow. No high-fives were exchanged.

Aftermath 

The next day Becky sported a large red welt on her neck. I again apologized for shooting her in the throat. She of course said it wasn’t my fault. But we both knew differently. A little bit of makeup would help conceal her wound and she had an “interesting” story to tell her friends back home. My great uncle Paul tried to kill me.

An Observation

As I waited our call to battle, and although of course it is a simulation, my heart quickened, butterflies filled my stomach, and I felt a strange conflicting sense of fear and exhilaration. Hesitant, yet anxious and ready to begin. I was hyper-alert. I suppose we’ve all been conditioned to act almost in a predetermined manner. All of us, regardless of our age or gender, have been exposed to so many war movies, combat scenes and shootouts that we behave instinctively mimicking to a degree, how we are supposed to behave, but also following the dictates of our individual personalities. In battle some are, cautious, playing defense hopeful they make it through to the end. Ready though to return fire when fired upon. Others are aggressive from the get-go charging full speed from one protective barrier to the next. Hoping to avoid the inevitable barrage of incoming fire as soon as their presence is known. I was part of this group.

My mindset did not lend itself to thought. My reflexes were quick and my responses too automatic to leave any room for error. I had a trigger finger and others paid the price. It makes me wonder if some who find themselves in actual or even perceived life and death situations face similar obstacles? Shoot first and ask questions later if you will. Perhaps. Law enforcement comes to mind. Would better training change the dynamic? One can hope.

Note: See Paintball Fun Facts at the bottom to learn more.

Reflections- Here’s My Take

My original intent in writing this blog post was to entertain. To tell a story about a grandfather, me, and my first Paintball experience. Yes, to boast a bit. Somewhat proud to have held my own among much younger players. It can be quite a workout. Especially, on a warm day, overdressed for added protection while running (sometimes diving) at top speed between shelters. Hmmm. This also explains my aches and pains.

I could have left it at that but my mind had other ideas. What about a deeper meaning? A philosophical perspective about guns, war or male aggression. In order to avoid any perceived gender-bias I will leave it at “aggression”. Should I say something about guns or gun control? What about violent video games and their impact on young minds? Surely, I can’t avoid addressing school shootings or the current wars in Ukraine or Gaza?

I am fairly certain we will visit each and every one of these topics…in due time. Right now, I only want to say a few words about the benefits. Yes, there are benefits, of war-play or play acting as it is applied to Paintball or similar activities. First of all, even though people with guns can kill and war is evil, our young ones are compelled genetically to learn survival skills in part through play. Secondly, even though (hopefully) most of them will not be summoned to combat or ever pick up a weapon, many of the skills learned in play-acting games like Paintball, will benefit them in various other ways throughout their lives.

As members of the animal world young boys and girls learn a variety of essential life-skills through play.  We’ve all watched clips of wrestling lion cubs or a baby fox observing the hunting techniques of the mother. And on and on. Nearly, every species incorporates some type of play-acting including fighting into their being. Humans are no different as much as would like to think otherwise.

I would argue that playing war, or toy sword fighting with a sibling is as natural as other role playing observed throughout the animal kingdom. Unlike, other animals our role-play modeling often comes about devoid of parental participation, guidance or even awareness. Mom and dad are often busy putting bread on the table or other family sustaining activities. Instead, we often model our siblings, neighborhood friends and classmates. In all likelihood what we watch on television or see on Youtube contributes to our perception of what is important and what to make our own. Of course there are risks. My childhood was full of WWII movies, Cowboys and Indians etc. I spent a lot of time on my own. Learning by doing. Our children and their children will develop their own set of survival skills in part through play-acting which is often aggressive.

In order to confirm my suspicions about the benefits of play-acting through simulated combat, I decided to call upon AI (artificial intelligence) for my very first time. I promise not to make this a habit and will acknowledge if I have done so in the future.  I asked ChatGPT one question: Does playing paintball help teach children anything positive?

Within seconds I had an answer:

ChatGPT

Yes, playing paintball can teach children several positive skills and values, including:

Teamwork: Paintball often involves team-based gameplay, which requires players to work together to achieve objectives. This fosters cooperation, communication, and collaboration among children, helping them understand the importance of teamwork in achieving common goals.

Strategy and Critical Thinking: Paintball games require players to develop strategies, plan tactics, and make quick decisions. This can enhance children’s critical thinking skills as they analyze situations, anticipate opponents’ moves, and adapt their strategies accordingly.

Physical Fitness: Paintball involves physical activity such as running, dodging, and aiming, which can contribute to children’s overall physical fitness and health. Engaging in paintball can promote cardiovascular endurance, agility, and hand-eye coordination.

Sportsmanship: Playing paintball encourages children to exhibit good sportsmanship, including respect for opponents, adherence to rules, and graceful acceptance of victory or defeat. Learning to compete in a fair and respectful manner is an important aspect of character development.

Confidence Building: Successfully participating in paintball can boost children’s self-confidence and self-esteem. Mastering skills, making strategic decisions, and contributing to team success can all contribute to a child’s sense of accomplishment and belief in their abilities.

Outdoor Appreciation: Paintball is often played outdoors, exposing children to nature and the benefits of outdoor recreation. This can foster an appreciation for the environment and encourage children to spend more time outdoors, which has been linked to numerous physical and mental health benefits.

Risk Management: While paintball involves a degree of risk, it also provides an opportunity for children to learn about risk management and safety. Understanding and adhering to safety protocols, such as wearing protective gear and following rules, teaches children how to assess and mitigate risks in recreational activities.

Overall, playing paintball can offer children a range of positive experiences and lessons that contribute to their physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. As with any recreational activity, it’s important for parents and guardians to ensure that children participate in paintball in a safe and supervised manner.

Wow. Impressive.

So, that’s my our take.

Paul/TJ

Paintball Fun Facts:

If you, your kids or grandkids are contemplating Paintball or Airsoft (see below), which has become a popular birthday venue you may find the following information useful.

• Paintball’s (which are slightly small than a jawbreaker (17.3mm or slightly less than ¾”) are pretty firm/hard) do hurt when you are hit. Not always but enough times that you will remember. You can fire between 5-8 paintballs per second. They travel at approximately 300 ft/sec. (204 mph) and up to 150 yards.
• It is difficult to protect all your bodies exposed areas. More often than not you will not realize some areas of your body are exposed. Then as in most areas of life you will learn the hard way. Yes, you can protect your “privates”, mostly.
• You can see them flying through the air which is pretty much how you are able to aim. Forget the sights.

Note: There is a “”sister” game to Paintball called Airsoft.

• The plastic pellets are smaller, between 6-9mm, more than double the size of a regular BB, and anything but soft.
• They fly faster and further than a Paintball. Depending upon the size and weight of the pellet they can travel anywhere from 300 to 700 feet per second (477mph) and will travel up to 300 feet. In full-automatic mode you can fire 20-30 pellets per second. Think sub-machinegun. My grandson has an airsoft rifle and I watched him cut a soda can in half within seconds. Granted, aluminum cans are not what they used to be but still a bit concerning.

My Airsoft Experience

My older grandson Grady (15) invited me to the Airsoft Arena last fall. Unlike Paintball where you and you family can have an entire area to yourselves Airsoft pairs you up often randomly with strangers. It is an older crowd interspersed with military, ex-military or military wannabes. Very serious, well-padded and armed to the teeth. Some with night vision goggles…in daylight. Go figure.

Airsoft felt more like what I imagine actual warfare to be sans the actually killing. It requires strategy, teamwork and favors those with experience. Many play nearly all day long stopping for water breaks, lunch and to reload. One bag of 5000 pellets can last 2-3 hours. I particularly liked Alamo where one team of around 15 attacked and tried to overtake a 2-story building designated the Alamo. It ended pretty much as it did in 1836.

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