What would you think of a paintball team called Tactical Force Paintball – sounds like a pretty serious group right??  Well, they are!!  But would you guess that the team was started by a high school junior?

That’s right, Roseville, California Junior Cody Lamont started the team about six months ago, and it has grown to around 96 people.  Now, that sounds like a lot of people on one team, but it seems like this is more than just one team.  It seems to me to be more like an organization.  Cody has organized the “team” into five branches, simulating the military.  He has the Air Force, the Marines, the Army, the Navy and then the Special Forces.  To join the Special Forces ranks, a team member needs to pass certain measurements.

One of the main objectives of Lamont and his fellow team members is to simulate military training and maneuvers.  Many members of the team plan to join one of the branches of the military in the future, and they hope to get a jump on some of the training so they might be a step ahead when they get to their respective boot camps.  Lamont has met with sergeants in each of the branches represented by his team to get insights into what types of training will be encountered, and what he can do to help simulate that training.

The team will compete three times per month, where there will be competitions between branches of the team.  Since this is all new, the first scheduled match is April 19 at Scotts Flat.  My research indicates this is in Nevada County California and the area is dominated by a beautiful 850 acre lake.  The area seems to have camping and recreational areas, but I haven’t found any specific references to a paintball field.  They must plan on woodsball.  They selected this area for its seclusion, so maybe I have the wrong idea….

It sounds like it should be a lot fun for all involved.  Just one word of advice – don’t forget your safety equipment gang.  Even our country’s finest warriors go into battle with full body armor.

While looking through some industry news, I came across an article related to an eye injury caused by being shot by a paintball gun.    This particular injury was not acquired during a paintball game or training.  Rather it was inflicted during what may be a miscommunication.  The victim was walking through a park and came across an unattended paintball gun, so he picked it up.  Allegedly, a few minutes later the owner of the gun insisted the gun be returned, and when it didn’t happen fast enough he started shooting.

Now, the owner gave a different story to the police, stating that the victim, (and others who were with him), actually charged him and he fired in self defense.  I guess the courts will need to sort that out, but the victim was taken to the emergency room with a “significant” eye injury.  The alleged perp was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and a weapons offense.  A pair of Hawkeye or V-Force Goggles would have prevented the eye injury, but given the circumstances no thought was given to safety at the time.

Paintballs can hurt when they hit.  Along with eye protection, there is a great case for adding a tactical helmet as well.  Watch this video to see how this young man reacted to getting shot in the head.

And I bet this one wishes he was wearing some body armor or at least a vest. That’s going to leave a bruise!

Speaking of bruises, look at what these dummies are doing!

I know that paintball sports are a lot fun, but it can be a bit dangerous as well.  Please – anyone who picks up a paintball gun with the intent to use it against an opponent – use a minimum of eye protection.  There are many products out there that will help minimize the damage done to your body after a day of fun on the paintball range, (or in the field, or in the woods, or wherever you happen to play).  Please play smart, play safe and have fun!!