What is MILSIM?
Relating MILSIM to the International Community
MILSIM, an abbreviation of Military Simulation, as a concept exists in many formats. As such, to create a definition of Milsim based purely on a gel ball point of reference would be short sighted and untrue. Broadly, MILSIM can be defined as:
“A group of people conducting military or tactical group inspired activities with an emphasis on teamwork and organisation for the purpose of entertainment, sport, training or nostalgia.”
A person may draw a line of similarity between the word “MILSIM” and the word “Rugby”. Rugby is an umbrella term which covers multiple codes and levels of skill. Compare kids playing in a park to a professional NRL game, or a game of Union, or a game of Touch Rugby League, all games are Rugby despite their differences.
The same logic can be applied to the word “MILSIM”. MILSIM exists in a variety of formats, durations and levels of intensity. As such when stating that something is a “MILSIM” it is beneficial to add further detail to this, for example “This is a three day MILSIM”, “This is a hardcore MILSIM”, “This is a casual MILSIM”.
In addition to Gel Ball, MILSIM exists in airsoft, paintball, nerf, laser tag, table top wargames and computer games such as Arma 3 or Squad as well as many other formats. Within each of these formats, you may find groups or events which are incredibly strict and focus on intricate details, or those that focus primarily on the tactical execution of an objective, or those which are simply a group of friends wanting to play in an organised manner without any major focus on immersive factors.
It’s important to note that the scope of military or tactical group operations is incredibly diverse, as such the theme, duration or location/terrain should not be used to define whether something is or is not considered “MILSIM”. Additionally, by utilising a definition which focuses on military style teamwork and organisation, the term Milsim can also be applied to many fictional settings such as Halo or Star Wars or alternative timelines.
As such “realism” should not be a primary consideration, rather believability or level of immersion to the given scenario.
What are some examples?
In the US there are multiple MILSIM events held every year. Two of the biggest providers are Milsim West and American Milsim, both of which are often featured in popular airsoft videos on youtube. Both providers offer MILSIMs which span single or multiple days, featuring either an in-field overnight phase or breaks to sleep between game phases. The UK, Europe, Japan, Korea and many other SE Asian countries also offer multiple forms of Airsoft MILSIM. Typically the scenario presented at these events is a fictional alternative timeline where two opposing military forces clash, however there are examples of insurgency style events including non-combatants or guerilla warfare.
In Japan, a new laser-based system is becoming popular for MILSIM which combines laser hit technology with blank fire or gas blowback weapons. This is also found in the USA at training establishments such as One Shepherd, as well as militaries around the world.
In the virtual space, Arma 3 is a military sandbox videogame which has an incredibly active MILSIM community. In Arma, individuals will join a clan/group/unit which hosts MILSIMs at regular intervals, typically weekly.
Co-operative missions are created and run by a game master, who curates the experience for the players. In Arma 3 it is not unusual for groups to utilise realistic tactics, techniques and procedures including but not limited to order of battle, maneuvers, radio procedures and use of assets. These MILSIMs often have between 20-60 attendees and typically last 3-4 hours, however some communities have been known to perform extended events.
How does this apply to us?
We believe it is important to keep the term “MILSIM” a broad and open-ended word, as it’s important to recognise that MILSIM is a term used around the world, and by a variety of different communities. Additionally, keeping the definition open means that people who are new to the hobby may find “MILSIM” a bit more accessible. By attempting to strictly define what “MILSIM” means, it is easy to confuse people when you try to tell them “No that is not MILSIM!”.
For us, the core takeaway from the definition of MILSIM is the focus on teamwork and functional operational capability. As such, we believe that a historically accurate depiction of a soldier or a battle is not necessarily a requirement of a successful MILSIM. We believe a successful event provides an immersive atmosphere where attendees are equipped in the spirit of the presented scenario. That scenario may dictate the style of a certain style or era, it may simply call for your favourite gear; or somewhere in between.
In addition to this, in the past there has been the question of whether or not you could consider anything done at a casual game to be considered “MILSIM”. In keeping with inclusivity and the focus on values over game specifications, we believe that a group of players could certainly conduct “MILSIM” gameplay wherever they go. As long as those players are carrying a good Milsim mindset, utilising good drills and keeping with the spirit of scenario-based gameplay, then they could certainly generate their own Milsim gameplay.
When we use the word “MILSIM” in reference to our events, in addition to the broad definition we like to consider level of immersion, role play and scenario to be important factors. We will always clearly outline what to expect within any of our events, whether it is a 12 hour Milsim, a three day Milsim or an eight hour day of quick reset urban MILSIM serials.
In Summary
It is important to recognise the existence of MILSIM internationally, across multiple formats. We enjoy this broad and inclusive definition as it allows us to freely enjoy MILSIM wherever we are.
By bringing these values across to our event creation pipeline, we hope it brings a focus on achieving a well rounded, organised tactical experience.
Check out a few of these videos providing examples from across the incredibly diverse and wonderful MILSIM world.
Karmakut - The most REALISTIC 1-LIfe Milsim Operation I've Ever Played
PASSiVE SHOOT - MSFE02 - Milsim Far East 2022
Controlled Pairs Gaming - MASSIVE Airsoft War at Government Training Facility | Ironhorse 4
John Anderson - Milsim West: The Caspain Strike/Guardian Center (Grommets, 2022)
SOFTOPS - 2021 Aussie MILSIM: 40mm Grenade Launchers and Yowie Suits
References
Anderson, J. (2022, December 16). Milsim west: The caspian strike/guardian center (grommets, 2022). YouTube. Retrieved February 6, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUkgcFbIARo&ab_channel=JohnAnderson
Baird, G. P., III, Wolff, J., Watkins, D., Krat, L., & Perkins, C. (2009, Summer). A brief history of wargames. Air Force Journal of Logistics, 33(2), 144+. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A212035149/AONE?u=qut&sid=googleScholar&xid=35312737
Blacksheep MILSIM - State-of-the-Art Military Simulation Experiences, created with the goal of giving players a taste of combat in a safe, controlled, game-oriented environment. (2016). M2 Presswire.
Boe, T. (2021, October 5). 2021 Aussie Milsim: 40mm grenade launchers and Yowie suits. YouTube. Retrieved February 6, 2023, from https://youtu.be/ZuDj67NN7yQ
Controlled Pairs. (2022, April 13). Massive airsoft war at government training facility: Ironhorse 4. YouTube. Retrieved February 6, 2023, from https://youtu.be/M2H9Zt5gjV0
Dusseault, R., & Shanks, M. (2014). Play War: Homemade Recreational Battlefields. Places Journal.
iTzKaRMaKuT. (2022, September 14). The most realistic 1-life Milsim operation I've ever played... YouTube. Retrieved February 6, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K82nmPKuck4&ab_channel=Karmakut
Larsen, C. (2008). Paintball and airsoft battle tactics. Voyageur Press
Lee, C., & Jones, C. (2020). Fake Guns, Fictional Battles, Real Uniforms: Inside the Immersive World of MilSim. New York Times (Online).
Mack, A. (2015). “This isn’t what war is like”: An ethnographic account of ArmA 3. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.
A revolution in Milsim. American Milsim. (2023, January 24). Retrieved February 6, 2023, from https://americanMilsim.com/
Milsim west. MILSIM WEST. (n.d.). Retrieved February 6, 2023, from http://Milsimwest.com/
Passive Shoot. (2022, June 1). MFE02 - Milsim far east 2022. YouTube. Retrieved February 6, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFCB_HVzEUc&ab_channel=PASSiVESHOOT
Van Creveld, M. (2013). Wargames: From gladiators to gigabytes. Cambridge University Press.