What Is MILSIM

♣ What It Means
o The name TACSIM or MILSIM is an abbreviation for the term Tactical or Military Simulation.

o It requires a game that allows elements of tactical operations to be recreated. Examples: Sports- Airsoft, Paintball. Video Games- Ghost Recon, Rainbow Six, Battlefield 2, and Operation Flashpoint.

o It attempts to recreate a tactical environment that is as authentic as possible.

♣ How Do We Accomplish This With On-Line Gaming?
o Thoroughly study and review all aspects of a game and analyze its suitability for tactical simulation (Many games, while superficially representing tactical combat, are in fact poor examples of a tactical simulation and are not suitable for TACSIM / MILSIM operations.)

o Determine if the inherent non-tactical aspects of a simulation can be suppressed or eliminated to the point that it will not affect the game’s playability as a TACSIM.

o Create elements outside of the game that create an operational atmosphere, into which the operations and scenarios can be set. This includes a backstory, operations orders, and team SOPs.

o Develop operations with logical objectives for which tactical scenarios can be developed and realistic team objectives can be tasked.

o Design tactical scenarios within the framework of the game that allows teams to execute those scenarios in a realistic manner, using proper teamwork and tactics to accomplish their goals while facing realistic opposition, either live or Artificially Intelligent (AI).

o Perform after-action reviews covering team performance (both in a team context and individual performance basis), game suitability and performance, and operational acceptability within the simulation.

So it can be seen that a TACSIM or MILSIM game is not simply a matter of plugging in a DVD and playing the game. A well-developed campaign in a MILSIM atmosphere involves considerable work in development of back-stories that create a realistic and logical environment into which the scenarios recreated in the game are played. Teams that strive for realistic operations will train together on a regular basis, use real world tactics and techniques to accomplish their goals and review their operations with a goal toward improving their game-play, game performance and overall TACSIM / MILSIM experience.