For professional law enforcers and military personnel, training has always been the key element that has differentiated them from uninitiated gun-touting people. It forms the backbone of their existence and hones their skills in protecting innocent civilians from criminal thugs and terrorists.
In western countries, several modern forms of training have been developed to increase the operational readiness of their law enforcement and military forces. One of which is known as the force-on-force simulated ammunition training, wherein the stresses of real-life combat encounters and tactical scenarios are simulated using non-lethal training technology.
Such simulation scenarios allow instructors and trainees to train as closely as possible to the real thing without accidental injury or loss of life that comes when using blank cartridges or real-weapons modified for training.
The most accurate simulated ammunition technology known today is the MILES gear, employed by US forces and local police. The acronym stands for Multiple Independent Laser Engagement System, which employs a combination of modified weaponry, laser emitters and a computer-controlled system of laser receivers, that pin-point the exact trajectory of the simulated bullet. Hits are recorded via the computer system and the unfortunate trainee is alerted by a continuous electronic alarm signifying his “death”.
However, such a system can be costly to set up and can not be easily transported to another location, thereby limiting the choices of scenarios available.
Other law enforcement agencies who have also recognized the value of “simulated ammunition” training have experimented with alternative gear that could help enhance their training regimes, while costing a fraction of the cost of a dedicated MILES system. They found their choices in paintball and airsoft systems.
Paintball was of course the first apparent choice for simulated ammunition training, because of its capability to mark hits with paint splotches. This ability was highly significant since an instructor could easily identify the trainee that had been hit, as well as which part of the body the “bullet” impacted. But this useful trait was also offset by several negatives – the paintguns did not resemble the size, shape and weight of a real gun; an ammo cannister that holds the paintball ammunition effectively blocks the sights of the gun itself making it hard to aim at targets; and a gravity-feed system that does not allow the gun to be fired unless in the prescribed upright position.
Others began to switch to airsoft guns as training tools due the fact that this system featured a replica design, making them look, feel and even weigh like the real thing. Powered by battery or compressed gas and firing “ballistic ball” (BB) pellets, airsoft rifles offered more training potential in terms of movement and marksmanship.
Users, however,also noted that airsoft required an honesty system, since the BB pellets do not leave marks whenever they hit. Often times, during the rush of adrenalin, some trainees would fail to register hits and would continue to shoot even after effectively being “killed” by an opposing force. This crucial factor has made the training value of airsoft systems somewhat lacking, although its entertainment value as a hobby continues to grow steadily today.
“The Real Action Marker is essentially a hybrid of the paintball and airsoft designs, combining the best of both worlds - a replica body of the same size and shape as a Colt M4 or M16 rifle and a paintball projectile that effectively marks hits via paint splotches,” stated ATACS Managing Director Jasper Briones.
Briones further explained that realism of the RAM design also features a magazine-fed system that can hold up to 20 rounds of paintball ammo. Another unique touch in the RAM concept is the alloy casing that encloses the paintball round, protecting it while it is in the magazine and is ejected during firing to simulate the shell casing ejection of a real rifle. The CO2 propellant tank for the rifle itself is concealed within the stock of the RAM, making it an unobtrusive part of the simulated ammunition rifle.
The realism and training potential of the RAM design itself was tested in full when ATACS ATTS offered the new simulated ammunition rifles to be tested by members of the 3rd Coy, Regional Special Action Unit (RSAU) during one of their field training exercises in Camp Bagong Diwa.
The result was dynamic, as the RSAU replicated a sniper-initiated assault on a four-storey tower, complete with designated rappel, ladder and entry-assault teams. Members of the RSAU designated as “hostage-taking terrorists” began exchanging fire with the assault force, adding to the realism of the simulation.
After the shootout, the RSAU assault force rescued the hostage, “killed” three terrorists and captured one without a single loss on their part.
“The Real Action Marker of ATACS is a very realistic tool for tactical training and a must for law enforcers to experience, to enhance and to prove the effectiveness of their tactics,” stated Maj. Rex Malimban, Chief 3rd Coy, RSAU.
Briones revealed that the arrival of ATACS in the Philippines and the field test of the RSAU makes the country only the 9th in the world to employ the Real Action Marker as a training tool for law enforcement.
Among the other countries now using RAM are Australia, Hongkong Malaysia, Nepal, P.R. China, Singapore, Taiwan and the United States. In America, 15 law enforcement agencies already use the RAM in the training, while two military installations have incorporated the revolutionary simulated ammunition rifle in their training regimes.
Briones also shared that while the ATACS RAM rifles are available for retail purchases, law enforcement and military instructors may also avail of the company’s Engkwentro Xperience, an equipment rental service that offers RAM simulated ammunition rifles, complete with protective gear. Paintball ammunition consumed during training, however, is charged separately.
“The ATACS Engkwentro Xperience is a cost-effective way to allow our law enforcers, special military units and even security agencies affordable access to the RAM without the added worries of maintenance. We can go to their training site, equip their trainees easily and they can concentrate on enhancing tactics and strategies of their men,” stated Briones.
ATACS ATTS is the sole authorized distributor in the Philippines for the Real Action Marker. The simulated ammunition rifles are imported from and manufactured in Hongkong by Asia Paintball Ltd.
For inquiries about ATACS, the Real Action Marker and the Engkwentro Xperience, please contact 882-3550, or email us at atacsphil@gmail.com.
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