Every day is a good day to give back to others and our community. There is no better reward than the sight of happiness of others that you are able to unconditionally touch and fortunately affect through kindness and generosity.

On December 17, 2011 Team Arcangels completed its annual food drive to assist families in need during the holiday season. This year the team elected to donate its food drive to the Vancouver Food Bank. Representatives of the team completed the final drive by purchasing over $500 in much needed items on the food bank list.

A special thanks to Brit2 and Angel’s Mom for enduring the time and patience at a busy weekend Super Store to assist and make the last leg of this food drive a mission success.

The following Monday, a team Jeep full of food was taken to the head office of the Vancouver Food Bank where we successfully filled a donation container full of non-parishable items, pasta, canned foods, juices, cereals, cookies, Christmas related foods and other much needed items. Robin Keene of The Vancouver Food Bank thanked our team during a telephone conversation for our wonderful and much needed contribution!

Happy holidays team and here’s to another successful season and wonderful act of grace!

– Loud n Proud!

Arcangels strive to continuously be the best in their class and industry. The selection process is not easy and being confirmed to participate in its infamous grind is even harder. Our 2011 selection season began in 2010 as we received several applications. At the end, after 6 months of rigorous practices, physically challenging drills with nearly 40 - 50 lbs of gear, fitness exercises and constant team scrutiny to keep up with our performance, we congratulate the following four individuals for their commitment, contributions and overall dedication in graduating into one of the world's toughest competitive airsoft teams.

For some Selection candidates they've been practicing with our team and preparing for this onetime make-it-or-break-it event since their sponsorship 6 months ago. For others, their sponsorship was approved but were unable to attend the same amount of events and practices due to work but trained for the upcoming grind on their own time. Here some of the excerpts and photos from our annual fitness and JN2011 grind event.

Angels performing pushups in timed 2 minute intervals. Qualifications are measured

against the  US APFT (Army Physical Fitness) standards.

All Arcangel members undergo this physical fitness qualification annually. This ensures that our members maintain a certain high standard of physical fitness and are capable of withstanding the rigors and endurance of long scenario games and field exercises. At times, our team attends 24 hour games, endure extreme temperature changes and continuous game play without having rest or sustenance.

Congratulations to the following individuals:

Arc Ghost:  Designation ID issued: UO2 (Unit Operator Class 2). 

Arc Riot: Designation ID issued: UO2 (Unit Operator Class 2)

Arc Hunter: Designation ID issued: UO1 (Unit Operator Class 1)

Arc Poland: Designation ID issued: O2 (Operator Class 2)

Status ID is not a rank in our team. Though we have team leaders and various individuals responsible for certain organizational roles such as media, legals, publicity, events and transportation and coordination; all of our team members are equal in fundamental skills and we do not believe in a ranking system. Designation ID's are measured by specific expertise, skills, team contributions, community contributions and attendance to events and practices. 

OPERATION IMPERIAL INTENT - AKNOWLEDGEMENTS & CITATIONS

The following acknowledgements and advancements are made to:

• LO3  - ArcWardog has been advanced to Chief Operator (CO1) and is recognized for his excellent leadership, team building spirit and mission execution of his unit during the entire event.  As CO1, Wardog continues to expand his leadership command of the entire Arcangels and its various strike and special operations teams;

• UO3 - ArcCaesar has been advanced to Special Operator 1 (SO1) and is recognized for his excellent and on-going physical conditioning efforts during the past 60 days prior to and leadup to this event. In addition, he's recognized for his outstanding DMR and operational initiatives while tasked wtih single person objectives during the battle for the refugee town where his position often involved providing sniper cover to allied forces below his position while maneuvering as a single operator without support;

• UO3 - ArcMig2 has been advanced to Special Operator 1 (SO1) and is recognized for his recon and strike capabilities under outnumbered incidents. Mig2 assisted in several road blockade support teams with other allied forces during this event as well as providing outstanding support coverage and overwatch during the battle for "Gully Hill" above the CF HQ arena;

• UO3  - ArcGucci has been advanced to Special Operator (SO1) and is recognized for his recon and special support roles during DMR and 2man recon assignments into potential hostile territories. Gucci assisted in several strike and interdiction roles during the "battle for the town" scenario.

• UO3 - ArcSpetz has been advanced to Special Operator (SO1) and is recognized for his recon, strike and leadership LO capabilties. During the "Battle for Gully Hill" Spetz under CF/LO3 command led strike initiatives to clear areas of hostile forces enabling essential support teams to advance and accomplish their objectives to retreat advancing hostile forces. During unit exercises - town clearing, ArcSptez successfully led his unit to accomplishing - (A) townclearing of all hostiles; (B) sustaining less than 10% personnel loss during outnumbered situations; and (c) secured the town and its surrounding area.

• SO3 - Arcangel25 has been advanced to Senior Operator (SO4) and is recognized for his unit support leadership role in strike, recon and communication CIC overwatch wtih CFCOM-HQ during battle for "Gully Hill" and "Refugee Town". Angel25 is also recognized for providing DMR support and extraction protection to unit members after certain assigned tasks.

LAST, the Board of Arcangel Industries and Creative Sportsaction Group wishes to thank these individuals for their time in training, logistics preparation, and the late night meetings that occured prior to this event to ensure a smooth and well executed participation by their representation of this team. We also wish to thank our sponsors Camoflauge Vancouver, and the many merchandise providers mentioned on our website for their continued support.

We look forward to Operation Mason Relic Saskatchewan. ANGELS!!!!- LOUD N PROUD!!

(attending angels from strike team (ST) Alpha (A1) and Bravo (B1) madeup the attending operations team) Photo release - Iceman Photography

Operation Imperial Intent held in Penticton, hosted by Hardcorps and sponsored by Imperial Airsoft of Calgary was a great success and by far one of the best MILSIMs we've attended. The weather was perfectly warm during the day though it was pretty cold, wet and lightly snowing at night. Strong teams from BC and Alberta attended and it was a great experience meeting these people and the sportsmanship that was strongly displayed through many of the heated battles.

The overall terrain was majestic with rolling semi desert hills and snow covered mountain sides. It 's very similar to the climates and hillsides of certain Northern Middle Eastern countries. Our gamezone had long dirt roads, large wooden towns, blockades and lots of overhanging hills and rocky cliffsides.

(LO3 - Wardog (Com-SAD) standing overtop of one of many hillsides that needed to be secured during the SIM) Wardog uses a modified PTW G&G MAX with Trijicon ACOG 44-4 and Heckler Dry Supressor system. QD 3L Hydration system by Camelback.  Photo release - Iceman Photography

The rules of engagement and storyline was very well organized, written and executed by the various commands and game master involved. Each mission and scenario event provided a strong sense of tension, awareness and at times uncertainty - all of which are very common in live deployments. Rules of Engagements were realistic to that of UN peacekeeping rules. Special protective details and reconnaissance objectives were very similar to actual forward operating security protocols and special operations tasking.

Overall, it was very well done, all the players and teams - assumed their roles very convincingly and during actual fire fights, all were very honorable with their casualties, respawns and hit counts. This made for a very enjoyable and fun filled day. We look forward to playing with the various teams from the Interior and Calgary again as we make our way through in May toward Operation Mason Relic in Saskatchewan.

The following photos are excerpts of the SIM as Angels were tasked by CF Forces Command (CFCOM) to conduct special operations, protective services and direct action interdiction roles throughout the day. More photos of this event is located in our galleries.

(Angels sent to patrol into a town to look for weapons and intelligence documents from indigenous settlements) Photo release - Iceman Photography

(UO3 - Mig2 standing cautionary guard over armed indigenous personnel in the settlement while other angels searched structure to structure.) Mig2 - brandishing his custom Classic Army G3-SAR-M41 with a real Aimpoint 30mm RD sight.  Photo release - Iceman Photography

(SO3 - Angel25, UO3 - Ceaser over looking the refugee town below where various engagements between factions and refugees were occurring) - Two other operators from Charlie Company stood as primary support.

(UO3 - Ceaser, UO3 - Gucci performing "zero hour" overwatch.) They had fun sighting in Creasers' G&G M14 EBR using a REAL - ARTII M-1200 24x50 Leatherwood Scope. Gucci using a Trijicon ACOG on his VFC Scar equipped with a King Arms Supressor. Windage and Ranging system was performed using a Steiner 10x50 LSR Ranging and binocular system. Using .40 Madbull BBs with his current spring and systema internals pushing above 490fps+ made for very effective long range shooting. Goggles by Revision and Bolle.

(UO3 - Mig2 sporting a Classic Army M249 equipped with an EOTECH 552.) - Mig2 performed cover and approach watch at the entrance of the CF roadway.

(SO3-Angel25 and UO3 - Ceaser performing 'overwatch' to allied forces advancing to the refugee town below) Angel25 - using a modified G&G M4 PTW with systema internals and QD King Arms Supressor. Optics provided by Trijicon, flashlight /IFF provided by Surefire California. QD 3L Hydration systems by Camelback. Rigs by Condor. Communication by Motorola. All team uniforms by Truspec from DS tactical BC and Fan goggles by Revision.

Click here
 

There will be times when a compass is simply not available during certain situations outdoors. This is pretty helpful but it even if you know these methods, you'll still need to orient yourself from your points of origin.

All Photos courtesy of Jules (Optix) OPFOR League

The day was filled with multiple objectives and various different teams attempting to secure those objectives within a certain time frame. 4 Angels from Strike Team Bravo (ST2) were dropped into a swamp zone and were out of communication for approximately 1 hour until reinforcements arrived.  Angels held the drop zone until further reinforcements and orders arrived to secure additional locations. Angels ST2 suffered only minor hits during heavy opposition.

Arc Reaper with his G&G M14 painted in woodland scheme.

Throughout the day most communication lines between adminstrators and inter team channels were distorted and very fragmented which made for an even more exciting event environment simulating real world communication jams during heavy incursions. Overall, it was a great day with lots of missions and interacting with good people.

Arc Wardog (Leader Operator) securing a fire position with his advanced G&G M14 which boasts incredible range and accuracy.

Arc Spetz and 10-4 provided field coverage for the rear support team as they prepared to cross the airfield.

The temperature didn't peak past 3 degrees but the adrenaline was pumping and awareness was at full alert. Angels were tasked with escorting a VIP (game host) from one end of a town to the other past an open airfield to various designated locations.

Ghost and Gearbox preparign to lead cover patrol with VIP situated within the patrol line.

Escorting a VIP to various designated locations with approximately 70+ RED members trying to eliminate the VIP and its Angel escorts was extremely exciting. Strike team Bravo - (6 Angels) which provided rear cover and diversionary support quickly came under heavy opposition from 15 plus RED members. Maintaining their training, communication along with quick reactionary and full-force on tactics, they were successful in diverting the RED elimination forces from reaching the VIP escort team while suffering only 2 losses during the firefight.

Throughout the exercise we came under heavy fire at each step of the way. Regardless Strike Team Alpha - (6) Angels managed to escort the VIP (game host) to his designated zones in order to secure the mission objectives while experiencing only minor losses. The VIP remained alive throughout the entire exercise.

Gearbox and his detail coming out of patrol

The rest of the event was filled with many different scenarios and the Fraser Valley League were a great bunch of guys to run with during the day. Overall, the New Years Open was a very fun and well spent day, even if some of us suffered from the post-New Years lag. :)

Designed for operation in extreme conditions, the Sidewinder Tactical Flashlight provides 20 different functions in a casing that is waterproof (1 meter for 30 minutes) and designed for temperature ranges from -40ËšF to 150ËšF.

Being a sucker for new kit, I really couldn't resist and while the price point was a little steep ($79 +HST at DS Tactical), I'm glad I bit.

The Sidwinder kicks out a retina burning 20 lumens of white light and a little less in red (to maintain night vision), blue (used to check for blood) and IR with 4 levels of output intensity: Low (5%), Medium (20%), Medium-High (50%), High (100%) plus a Strobe function (100%). Burn time for two Lithium AA batteries is 100+ hours at Low and 7+ hours at High power settings. For safety in the field, the Sidewinder will always switch on at 5% power.

The IR is itself quite powerful; using it this evening with my Gen 1 night optics I was surprised just how much illumination it provided and as an IFF beacon (strobe) the Sidewinder was visible from a considerable distance.

Very rugged build (meets MIL-STD-810F, Method 512.4), and drop test verified to 30 feet, the Sidewinder comes with tethered battery cap (so you don't loose it when changing batteries), a lanyard attachment hole that is rated to 25 lbs, O-ring seals and steel spring attachment point for MOLLE, ACH or belt.

With its 185° rotating head and optional helmet mount (about $20 US online) this is one versatile piece of kit.

Bring on the Night Ops!

For more information on the Sidewinder, visit the Streamlight website.

New modifications are the longer and more quieter Kingman 5.56mm silencer; crane adjustable stock that gives the cheek a good rest and provides for additional stability. In addition note that the reflex sight is mounted directly forward on top of the heat shield. This gives the operator a lower profile aiming  position in additon to allowing the top rail raiser to act as a sun shade during bright aiming situations. The top rail raiser also allows for quick mount accessories such as Aimpont, Eotech or quick release scopes such as the leatherwood ARTII that might be carried with the operator for longer range capabilities.

The vertical grip is also color matched and has room for a Pic mount for additional accessories. The small Maglite quick thumb flashlight provides more than enough flash for nighttime activities or blind shot techniques during night time or dark environment CQB exercises inside facilities. During CQB, the Kingman is removed for a smaller GemTech suppressor that reduces the overall length of the primary significantly while still providing adequate suppression in confined areas.

Or if we really want to go all out, we can use the Marconi UHF scrambler radio system that is used by MIL personnel today. It has a 15 channel system and can be programmed for  scan/secure channels designated for multi-purpose communication between two parties. The unit uses 6 AA rechargeable batteries and has a 5 watt burst for long range capability. The unit is also waterproof and MILSPEC shock proof with internal epoxy reinforcement. Price is reasonable around $120 for a legal replica.
 

OK team... Physical Standards testing day will be here sooner than you know.  Everyone should be keeping up with their PT plans, eating right, hydrating and cutting down on the bad things in preparation for not just the APFT but a hard hitting season ahead of us.

The APFT is the minimum required to qualify as an Arcangel Alpha Team member. To really succeed in the field you'll need to be at the higher end of that scale (i.e. 80%) and not just hanging in there with a bare pass.

To put the APFT in perspective, read:

Modern Fitness Standards: How Do You Measure Up?

There's some valuable insight offered here on how increased fitness levels are measured and who tops the list in terms of fitness requirements (and it's not the APFT)

And don't think you're good to go in the health department just because you're young. From the National Post check out:

Young adults now an 'at-risk' group for heart disease: report

Therefore, going to any snowboard or bike shop you will be able to find the same style helmet for under $100 depending on the model. The basic VBSS style helmet is about $60-$70 dollars.

This RAP4 version is about $24.95 US, which will be around $40 after all shipping and taxes.

Fitness systems, like so many fads come and go and I've tried many. Spending too much time away from home had me looking at a number of solutions to maintain what some might consider a demanding training schedule, but all failed at some point - they were either impractical or simply unispiring enough for me to continue on with them.

A big reason for my participation in Scenario Paintball is to have a reason to maintain a higher level of fitness. Being in great shape means more than just feeling good and looking better, in the field it allows you to go farther, push harder, resist injuries more effectively and most importantly, Win.

Working out at the gym is great but you can't take the gym with you when you are travelling. Weight training is great when combined with a cardio program but spending too much time on machines means you miss out on the benefits of compound exercise that work multiple muscle groups at the same time.

Mrs Thumper was kind enough to drop a TRX FORCE Suspension Training System my way recently. Developed by ex-Navy SEAL Randy Hentrick, the TRX was developed as a means to maintain peak physical condition while away on extended missions and is now an exercise system of choice among many in the military.

According to the manufacturer, anywhere you can securly affix the harness, you can obtain a full workout with over 300 exercises available.

Admitedly, I was a bit skeptical.

But it only took about 30 seconds for my skepticism to dissappear.

While I'm sure I looked a bit gangly as I got used to the TRX what I quickly found is that I within my first few sets of exercises I was getting one of the best compound workouts I have had in a very long time. The TRX is not completely intuitive, you need to read the instructions, set up the harness properly and pay attention to what you are doing to maximize the benefit. What I found very soon on in my workout was that the system is highly scaleable; just moving your positioning by a few inches can have a dramatic effect on the instensity of the exercise. This means that the TRX could be very valuable for those who are not in good shape right now and need to start out slowly in building up their strength.

While I consider myself in good condition I was easily able to increase the difficulty of the exercises to the pointly where I very quickly "smoked" myself.

Bottom Line: One heck of a workout.

I am looking forward to using the TRX FORCE on a very regular basis and plan on adopting the 12 week training program that comes on the accompanying DVD and manual.

Here on the Arcangels we've set very specific and tough fitness goals with testing coming up in just a few months in the form of the APFT and the infamous "Grind"...

Hell Yeah.

Bring it On.

More info at http://www.fitnessanywhere.com/trx-training/military-fitness

This last week the team underwent Parkour training with highly respected Traceurs and coaches Jordan and Jared Davis to enhance strength and agility.

Exercises often being harder than they look, a high level of encouragement was always on hand...

Learning how to roll safely...

Getting over and under obstacles in the most efficient way possible...

Bringing together the skills - over the vault and into a roll...

ArcGundam, on his way to becoming a Parkour "Traceur", nails down the Kong Vault...

ArcSmersh showing style on the vault not seen since the Nikolai Andrianov won Gold at the 1980 Moscow Olympics 

For more information on Parkour in British Columbia visit http://www.pkbc.net

We reduced the air-pressure on our scenario markers to the lowest  setting possible to maintain a comfortable “hit” effect. Especially playing in confined   proximities, pressures of 250-280 fps still left marks and smarts on anyone hit.

Nonetheless, it was a great and fun day playing attack and defend with team members that pretty much knew all the tactics of the other. Many times, it seemed like playing “mirror moves” with your friends.  Since the property was being torn down to make room for a new home, we pretty much had permission to do with the home as we pleased.

When we established the morning safety briefings and playing rules – it was all “have at it” after that. Glass shattered from garden rocks; make shift battering rams were used to break down doors; and whatever left over furnishing and appliances including old computers were used either as barricades or thrown down stairs to prevent easy opposition entries.

We played hard, fun and captured many blooper moments on video and photos that we’ll post within the next few days. It was truly a wonderful Sunday and end of season game just between team members.

Again, we thank the family friend of Thumper for letting us be there and playing with us during the day; the outlining neighbours that were made aware of our “house party”; and the local authorities for their cooperation.

Last, thanks to our team photographer Arcnala for coming by as always to follow our team’s progress and to our team videographer Steo. The risk and paint-fly-by’s and close calls you guys go through to capture great shots are really appreciated.