Supply Drops

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Concept

In games with ammo limits, Game Masters can set up a system to provide additional ammunition at specific or periodic times during the game

Description

Based on discussion for the Ia Drang battle milsim in 2012, we have the following supply drop procedure.

1. supply drop box arrives at LZ at the prescribed time
2. some US troops come to courier it to the command post rally point
3. players at the command post are allowed to reload 2 hi-cap magazines or 4 mid-cap magazines each before the "crate" is "emptied"[, up to a time limit of 15 minutes?]
4. admin collects the "expired" crate for re-use

So, the crate could be a Plastic Box with a lid filled with all the players ammo reserves. It could also be a wood crate with text printed on the side.

As an air-mobile supply drop, the player team would need to radio the game marshals or admin for a drop. As a MULE vehicle, the team could have the "vehicle" (wagon) following them and stopping at a "safe distance" from the battlefield. (MULE=Multifunction Utility Logistics Equipment)

(from Airmax's and z_rampage1980's description of a component an SIR sim game).

Notes and Comments

• You can use an actual metal ammo box, which is approximately $30 (ca 2012) at most Surplus stores.
• 20 bags of bb's need a space approximately 1200 cubic inches (60 cubic inches each), or 18 x 12 x 6
• Only some players will need ammo right away if some troops have enough and if there is a ammo limit as well in play
• This is also decided in how many ammo drops that are provided per team per day too. Depending on BB bag limit, such as 2000 rounds, you should fit up to 10 bags in a common ammo box or more.
• Communal Reserve: Each 2000 round bag is good for 3 players at a 600 round limit, generally only some of the team needs ammo or at least a full reload of ammo.
• Consider for a "supply drop" during a milsim:
  • 600 round limit per player
  • 10 bags @ 2000 rounds each is 20,000 rounds, which should cover about 33 players
  • Ammo consumption also depends on number of players per team
  • A support (Squad Automatic Weapon) gunner needs 1 full bag alone
• Individual Reserve: players store their personal reserves in the crate in separate, marked resealable bags and only use them when permitted during supply drops
  • special bb weights
  • colors
  • biodegradeable bb's
  • rules specify no transferring of ammo between players or taking from others' reserves