I cannot claim the group as my own because it was my team as a whole that decided to move forward on the idea. We needed a way to incorporate enough cool features and learning experiences inside one kit, the goal is to bring newer players up into higher spending brackets of play (National level events) while having a very small “entry” fee. The appeal to players who have already entered this bracket is the freedom to select which gear they want V.S. getting told they can only use one type of plate carrier and the prestige of teaching the less experienced players. This group is something that would be just put together enough for all intents and purposes.
There is a distinct contrast in this unit with the tan gear against the black uniforms, and they just look better when they’re dirty. The general look is very important, but this kit is all about accessibility and the best user experience. Not many groups or kits are easy to break into because of ridiculous standards enforced by over-zealous leaders, or gear that is difficult to acquire. Our goal is to incorporate all the best parts of airsoft and MILSIM:
- Community and structure; most people want to be a part of a group of cool people who attend awesome events. Also moving as a force instead of as a lone wolf can be inspiring.
- Easily sourced equipment; some I.S.O.F. members use replica gear, so people looking to build a kit won’t have to look any further than their usual airsoft shops and sites.
- The M4 platform; this rifle base is wildly popular in the real world and airsoft realms alike. They look great, are easily customized, and work extremely well.
- It won’t break the bank! All the kit needed can be had for $300 or less (including the rifle). As opposed to a marine grunt kit which costs upwards of $500.
This is great for players looking to get more out of the hobby, most people start out with an M4 of some sort and that’s 40% of the kit pretty much. If they do not like an aspect of the group enough to leave, the chances are that they are not interested in getting into MILSIM, but they will continue to use and enjoy the gear they got for the kit. Most people sell off all their things if they quit a certain loadout, but we encourage retaining the kit by giving them the freedom to choose a lot of what they want in the first place.
P.S. I made this epic (if I do say so myself) promo video for this group.