thedrifter
04-01-04, 07:41 AM
Lucky Marines splatter green to victory
Submitted by: MCB Camp Butler
Story Identification Number: 2004331183315
Story by Pfc. T. J. Kaemmerer
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, Okinawa, Japan (March 12, 2004) -- Thwap! Thwap! Thwap! That was the sound heard just before Marines walked off the paintball field holding their markers high above their heads while their last shreds of pride, along with fluorescent paint, dripped down their camouflage clothing like highlighter marks in an old college textbook during the Single Marine Program’s Leprechaun Paintball Tournament March 12.
According to Sergio Morales, a recreation specialist with the Single Marine Program, the tournament, which was held in a field adorned with wooden bunkers for cover, was played in a single elimination, capture the flag format, under true-kill rules, meaning that for a player to be “killed” the paintball had to break on either the torso or head.
There were six teams, each made up of five Marines from Camps Foster, Hansen, Schwab, Courtney, Kinser, and MCAS Futenma.
“It’s a lot easier to get hit on an open field like this. There’s no trees to use for cover. Adapt and overcome, that’s what Marines do best,” said Earl J. Wakonabo of Camp Schwab’s team.
When the Marines have some spare time, many of them get together and practice their skills at the Habu Hill paintball field on Camp Hansen. The paintball field has several different ranges with a variety of terrain and obstacles where the Marines can hone their skills. There is also an area with targets set up where the Marines can test the accuracy of their paintball markers. Some have even purchased their own markers which they customize to suit their style of play.
“Some of the Marines train mainly using the paintball range on Camp Hansen, but most are new to the game and learn by playing,” said Kim Newberry, director, Single Marine Program.
The Leprechaun Paintball Tournament gives Marines who enjoy the lifelike war scenario paintball provides, an opportunity to display their fire and maneuver skills. It is a fun activity that corresponds to their military training. It also promotes teamwork and camaraderie among the participants, according to Morales.
“Marines are trained for things like this. The training we’ve done helps a lot with these tournaments,” said Evan M. Matos from the Camp Schwab team.
When everything was said and done, Camp Hansen walked away from the tournament a little battle worn with welts and bruises across their bodies, but they held their heads high when they left holding the champion’s trophies.
“This event gives Marines an opportunity to get out of the office and practice their combat skills in a fun and competitive environment,” said Morales.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/3A5EE55A8AF060BE85256E6800816360?opendocument
Ellie
Submitted by: MCB Camp Butler
Story Identification Number: 2004331183315
Story by Pfc. T. J. Kaemmerer
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, Okinawa, Japan (March 12, 2004) -- Thwap! Thwap! Thwap! That was the sound heard just before Marines walked off the paintball field holding their markers high above their heads while their last shreds of pride, along with fluorescent paint, dripped down their camouflage clothing like highlighter marks in an old college textbook during the Single Marine Program’s Leprechaun Paintball Tournament March 12.
According to Sergio Morales, a recreation specialist with the Single Marine Program, the tournament, which was held in a field adorned with wooden bunkers for cover, was played in a single elimination, capture the flag format, under true-kill rules, meaning that for a player to be “killed” the paintball had to break on either the torso or head.
There were six teams, each made up of five Marines from Camps Foster, Hansen, Schwab, Courtney, Kinser, and MCAS Futenma.
“It’s a lot easier to get hit on an open field like this. There’s no trees to use for cover. Adapt and overcome, that’s what Marines do best,” said Earl J. Wakonabo of Camp Schwab’s team.
When the Marines have some spare time, many of them get together and practice their skills at the Habu Hill paintball field on Camp Hansen. The paintball field has several different ranges with a variety of terrain and obstacles where the Marines can hone their skills. There is also an area with targets set up where the Marines can test the accuracy of their paintball markers. Some have even purchased their own markers which they customize to suit their style of play.
“Some of the Marines train mainly using the paintball range on Camp Hansen, but most are new to the game and learn by playing,” said Kim Newberry, director, Single Marine Program.
The Leprechaun Paintball Tournament gives Marines who enjoy the lifelike war scenario paintball provides, an opportunity to display their fire and maneuver skills. It is a fun activity that corresponds to their military training. It also promotes teamwork and camaraderie among the participants, according to Morales.
“Marines are trained for things like this. The training we’ve done helps a lot with these tournaments,” said Evan M. Matos from the Camp Schwab team.
When everything was said and done, Camp Hansen walked away from the tournament a little battle worn with welts and bruises across their bodies, but they held their heads high when they left holding the champion’s trophies.
“This event gives Marines an opportunity to get out of the office and practice their combat skills in a fun and competitive environment,” said Morales.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/3A5EE55A8AF060BE85256E6800816360?opendocument
Ellie