How to not die

[Kolt1911 75]

For guys that are new to milsim/airsoft in general.

This was something I had a problem with when I first got into airsoft. Since then I've worked on this and have managed to keep from becoming a heat casualty or passing out from malnutrition (seen it happen, seriously

). 

The biggest thing is liquid and food intake. You need to take in what you put out (innuendo  ). 
Water. Drink it. Drink more of it. Are you walking from your Patrol Base to the ORP to prepare to take an objective? Cool man have fun DRINK WATER. Stopping to take five and have a smoke? Alright, well I thought only my mom smoked Virginia Slims but hey if that's what you're into DRINK WATER. After game sitting in the camping area with the guys listening to your Fetty Wap/Allan Jackson playlist? 1738 DRINK WATER. Even Jesus said "To he who is thirsty, come that you may drink freely of the waters of life." I'm sure it was also implied that he who reads this and still becomes a heat casualty for reason of not DRINKing WATER deserves a foot in the lower colon and a stern talking to. 

A hugely overlooked aspect is food. For those of you that actively work out, you know the value of protein intake. That's largely for gettin' swole, but also helps with energy during physically demanding activities, such as shooting toy guns at other grown men in the middle of Wyandotte, Oklahoma in 102 degree weather. The night before and the morning of a game - and for dinner/breakfast throughout the event - I make a point to eat meals high in protein. Baked/grilled chicken, pork, beef, etc. Also beans, motherf*cker. Eat 'em. If you're cooking in the field then beans and chili is a good option. If camping out outside of the game and you have access to a cooler and maybe a grill or portable stove, you can cook a more elaborate meal. The point is you need to eat right. 

Clothing. 
Yes, we all appreciate how nice your dad's surplus M65 is. However, that parka is rated to well below freezing and is not appropriate for warm weather events. Furthermore, even summer weight BDU blouses are not known for good ventilation. At the same time, you want to be protected from the briars and thorns known to populate the woods, as well as BBs. I usually run in a T-shirt if it gets too hot, or loosely roll my BDU sleeves halfway up the forearm. Bloused boots are useful if it's raining, muddy, or if you prefer not having a spider crawl up your leg. However, rain and mud and most spider bites won't hurt you near as bad as overheating because your CAP/ROTC uniform regs say you should blouse your boots. Basically if your feet get hot, unblouse your boots and keep on keeping on. 


For cold weather, layer up and layer down. Start off dressed to stay warm when standing still in the open with no wind break. As the day goes on, the temperature will rise and you will warm up from movement. You will need to strip off layers. How you do this is ultimately up to you, as I don't tend to tell people I'm not paying in $1 bills how to take their clothes off. I usually drop the outer layer first if it's not raining. This is also why it's a good idea to have a bag on you that you can roll your jacket up in so you don't have to run all the way back to respawn to drop off a coat. 

Equipment:
You are over-encumbered and cannot operate. Most of the weight you carry should be water (see above). Your weapon is also important. Shave off as much weight as practical. I'll let you decide how to do that, but if it isn't absolutely necessary for what you're doing then consider leaving it at camp. Common useless items: Sidearms (in most cases), more than one spare propane tank (in most cases), armor inserts (seriously), fifteen damn optics/lights/grips/whatever on your weapon. You probably don't need a magnifier for your Eotech, a non-battery box PEQ, and two flashlights. 

Finally, if you're sick don't play. I almost came to BH3 with the flu and while I regret not getting to go at the last minute, I'm glad I stayed home because I was running 103+ and sweating like a priest at a little league T-ball tournament. 

The important part is to have fun and not get air lifted out of the event because you didn't listen (RonPaul.gif). Some of these AOs are massive and unforgiving. Oklahoma does not love you. She is actively trying to kill you every time you cross that state line, be it from the terrible roads, strange locals, other drivers, wildlife, and weather. 

[Guest Specs]

A lot of truth in this post. So many new guys think they need to keep everything but the kitchen sink on their person during gameplay, and that leads to possible health issues in the long run. Perhaps the best advice I could a new player would be to only carry what you need, and to leave the rest in a bag at the FOB. And depending on the event, keep the FOB bag small so it can easily be transported to any MRP's. 

 

I mean, who wants to be snagging on every doorway and low hanging branch anyway? Molle shouldn't invite horror vacui. 

[iRonin 2]

MRE's(if you can stomach them) are valuable when in the field. 

 

Each MRE provides an average of 1,250 calories (13 percent protein, 36 percent fat, and 51 percent carbohydrates) and one-third of the Military Recommended Daily Allowance of vitamins and minerals. A full day's worth of meals would consist of three MREs.

 

You will be full, fed, and ready for the next encounter with the other side, and there are snacks inside each MRE which can be eaten between games. 

 

http://survivalathome.com/homemade-mres/<--- However if you would much rather not purchase MRE's you can build your own.

[iRonin 2]

Also,

 

A simple canteen or camelbak is vital for hydration.

[Veffakin 21]

This I like this!

[SHARKDOG 26]

This is a pretty funny and cool post dude! I'm gonna have to point some stuff out though, and offer some future interest in learning nutrition and to not confuse others of proper nutritional habits. 

 

-The process of hydrating your body occurs well before you plan on needing to be well hydrated. Your week, and your life in general, should consists of drinking proper amounts of fluids, and yes drinking some during the event itself with an electrolyte source, and adjusting due to extreme heat/cold helps. Don't slam down water like a washed out fish. It has no benefit. 

 

-A high protein intake will not benefit you as you run in circles for 2 days. Yes, you should be intaking the proper amount of protein your body needs on a daily basis, and increasing it measured to increased strenuous activity. You will be better off with a sugar (fruit) and a carb (oatmeal, whole grain, rice, quinoa, what have you, along with proper intake of fiber and importantly your vitamins. Increase your omega 3's (example: fish out) in order to supply your body with fats needed for protein synthesis and increase in energy and brain function. 

[Hammer816 18]

I once got hold of an MRE that a cousin had left over from a combat deployment in Iraq. That thing was HUGE and had over 3,000 calories in total. The ones available on line are around half that at best. Last I checked, an infantryman in combat has a recommended daily caloric intake of nearly 10,000 calories.

 

And I second Sharkdog on this, protein keeps you full, but carbs keep you moving.