NCJ Number
201157
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 51 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2003 Pages: 93-96
Date Published
June 2003
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes and discusses the features and benefits of conducting firearms training with Airsoft replica firearms, which fire 0.2-0.5 gram 6mm plastic BB's at between 200-450 feet per second.
Abstract
The BB's hurt when they contact the body (less than paintballs), but they do not injure. They can be fired at point-blank range with minimal injury potential, and they are accurate at any realistic engagement distance. Minimal protection is required, and the recommended face protection is completely clear, making the training much more realistic. The penalty for taking a hit typically ranges from a blood blister to a few layers of broken skin. The most significant advantage of Airsoft technology is that training can be done in agencies' real deployment environments. No specialized shoot houses or other facilities are necessary. The Massachusetts Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors and Armorers Association just released its Airsoft Simulation Instructor Certification course. It is a 1-day course that is offered nationwide. Learning objectives are specific skills the simulation designer wants to develop in his/her officers. Students are taken through simulation designs meant to impart simple, single learning objectives (such as hitting a moving human at close distances); then students/instructors learn to develop a simulation design for incorporating a couple of basic tactical skills as learning objectives, such as verbalizing, moving to cover, and possibly shooting; finally, students are taken through a simulation design for a complex situation that requires proper judgment by the officer/role player. During the last and longest part of the day, each instructor/student runs a simulation, choosing safety officers and role-players from among other instructor/students. This is done to ensure that each student/instructor is capable of managing a safe simulation.