CQB Tactics In Airsoft

Airsoft is a shooting game similar to paintball where players eliminate each other by firing plastic pellets propelled by electric motors or gas systems mounted in replica guns.

CBQ or close quarters combat games are objectives based games between players over short distances. Naturally, most CQB games are indoors, with players exchanging long barrelled rifles for shorter weapons providing faster movement, such as shotguns, pistols and submachine guns.

The most important part of any CQB operation is planning. Buildings will have a limited range of entry and access points and commanders should be aware of these before they plan an attack. There’s no substitute for proper reconnaissance and planning before games – commanders will quickly lose sight of their teams as they infiltrate the building, so each team should be aware of their strategy and objectives before play is started.

CQB is fast paced, action packed and adrenaline driven. When moving through buildings always be on your guard and maintain hidden until the last moment. Hunch over your rifle to keep your profile as small as possible, walk quickly and don’t run. Running targets make more noise that walking ones and are easier to spot.

Always be ready for the enemy. When moving through a cleared area, keep you gun shouldered, pointing slightly down and ready to draw. When moving through a live area, keep your gun up and in front of you at all times. When you look, look with your gun. Turning your head and gun is faster than turning your head and swinging your gun into position.

In CQB games cover is seldom used for long periods as players will rapidly move from cover to cover as they assault a target. If you are using cover, make sure it’s sufficient to protect you. Doors and windows make good cover as they hide your whole body and allow quick movement around and through. When using doors or windows as cover, stand close to them and just out of sight. When you move out of cover, do so in a way that minimises the target for the enemy. Lean out with your hips and don’t hesitate.

Assign fire sectors to each person to ensure your team is covered from all angles. Typical fire sectors for a five man team are the front man covering the front, the second man covering the flanks of the first man, the third man covering the left and right flanks, the fourth man covering targets of opportunity and the fifth and last man covering the rear.

Reloading in airsoft can take much longer than real life as players need to keep their magazines and fill them up from bb bottles. If you need to reload, signal to your team and find cover. When reloading, have your sidearms at the ready – when you’re done, get back to your team as soon as possible.

All these tips are easy to read but much harder to execute. Practice drilling these with your team so you can execute them quickly and without thought.