Photos of Suribachi Terrain
There are several steep, rocky hills in this area that have been burned over by wildfires. On the real island of Iwo Jima, Mt. Suribachi is the single dominant terrain feature rising 550 ft above the landing beaches. Our “Suribachi” is about 700 ft higher than the Blue jump-off point, and there are other hills clustered near it, so the ground is somewhat different. However, all accounts and images from the actual battle describe the terribly desolate and difficult terrain on all parts of Iwo Jima, and these burned-out hills offer a rough approximation of that environment. Fair warning: This is rugged terrain!
We’ll give out more detailed maps and directions to those participating.
Going Up
Looking up
Rock fort
Looking Down
Aftermath
Burned Sand
Blackend Forest
Alternate route
Unusual formation
No Rest 4 the Weary-Background
Although a ceasefire is now in effect along the Israel-Lebanon border, it is fraying fast. Hezbollah has re-armed and have infiltrated fighters back into the ground Israelis are withdrawing from. At latest, intelligence indicates they are preparing to launch hundreds of “Katyusha” rockets into Israel over the next 12-24 hours followed by an all out invasion.
Hezbollah has called for the destruction of Israel and will create a terrorist state in it’s place. Peace in the middle east rests squarely on their weary shoulders.
The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) deep reconnaissance unit, known as Sayeret EGOZ, which means “Special Operations Unit for Anti-Guerrilla Operations” in Hebrew, is mobilizing on a preemptive strike. EGOZ teams were established to combat the growing threat of the Hezbollah in South Lebanon. They are trained to move stealthily to locate and strike their targets.
The Lebanese army is aware of the growing tensions and are unwilling to get involved until an all out battle erupts. The Lebanese forces have been notified and under the UN peace settlement, Lebanon is now sending forces south to enforce the ceasefire. It cannot be confirmed they are in the area of operations (AO), or if they have orders to engage. It’s equally possible that the Lebanese troops are there. They may push Hezbollah out along with the IDF or they may have other allegiances.
Suribachi-Background
February 23 will be the anniversay of the Battle of Iwo Jima, one of the most momentous battles of WWII and American military history. On 19 February, 1945, U.S. Marines went ashore on Iwo Jima to begin what was expected to be a 4 or 5 day fight. Instead, the battle lasted for more than a month, finally ending on March 26. The island is only about 4.5 miles long, by 2.5 miles wide, but it was defended by about 20,000 Japanese troops. A force of about 70,000 US Marines, and Navy, Army and Coast Guard personnel made up the attacking force.
The battle for Iwo Jima was among the most intense that American forces have ever faced. The losses were so high (7,000 Americans died and 26,000 were wounded), that it accounts for one third of all U.S. Marine casualties during WWII. A total of 27 Congressional Medals of Honor were awarded to participants, more than in any other single battle in U.S. history.
The rocky, volcanic terrain of Iwo Jima (which means “Sulphur Island” in Japanese) was tailor-made for the defense. The Japanese garrison spent months digging miles of tunnels, and constructing hundreds of pillboxes and underground, hardened positions. On the other hand, there was little cover for the Marines coming ashore and the black, volcanic sand made it almost impossible for them to dig foxholes.
At the southwest point of the island, the dormant volcanic cone of Mt. Suribachi rises 550ft from sea level to command the entire island. The Japanese had honeycombed Suribachi with tunnels, and from its slopes they could rain fire down directly onto the landing beaches. As the Marines came ashore on the 19th, the massive bulk of Suribachi loomed over them (they called it “Hot Rocks”) and taking control of it was the primary objective of the 28th Regimental Combat Team (28 RCT).
The men of the 28th Regiment would take 4 more days to fight their way through the defenses around and on Suribachi. On February 23rd, about 40 Marines pushed all the way to the peak and raised the American flag. Below them, thousands of their comrades on the beaches and on ships offshore raised a thunderous cheer as the Stars and Stripes were finally seen atop Mt. Suribachi. Although the Battle of Iwo Jima would continue for many more bloody days, that moment — captured in the famous photograph by Joe Rosenthal — would come to symbolize the courage, resolve and sacrifice of the U.S. Marine Corps and American fighting troops throughout history.
This Rangerball scenario roughly emulates the struggle for Mt. Suribachi, and commemorates the many brave men who fought there.
Regiment Impact at Operation Bad Karma
Just found this, poking around on the net. This is an After Action Review of “Operation Bad Karma”, in May of 2010 down in Mesquite, Nevada. It was done by “Tomcat” of Catshack Reports, and can be found in complete form at http://www.catshackreports.com
I’m posting an abbreviated version here to illustrate the success the Regiment is having in building leaders in the paintball world, with the experience and skill to command teams, mentor players and make scenario games better for all involved. Several current and former Regiment members are highlighted in this independent AAR, as being on-field leaders, outstanding sportsmen and making significant contributions.
- Badfinch, a founding member of the Regiment and now the Deputy Commander, was the Commanding General of the “Special Ops” side, and was selected for event “elite” status. Badfinch is one of the most recognized leaders at paintball events in Utah and Nevada.
- Boata, a former Regiment member and now founder/leader of “Skeleton Warriors” was Commanding General of the “Cartel” side. Boata was one of our most active members for a couple years. He contributed a lot and clearly learned a lot from his Regiment experience and carries those lessons with him. We’re glad to see his success with his team Skeleton Warriors.
- Riddik, another former Regiment member, now with “This Ain’t Chemo” was awarded the event Sportsmanship Trophy. Riddik is a class act all the way around, a highly skilled player, and a strong leader.
- Saffire, current Regiment member is mentioned several times for her aggressive play and “outside the box” tactical thinking on the field. She’s fast developing into an experienced small-unit leader. Also awarded “elite” status at this event.
Congrats to each of them!
–Ajax
Operation Bad Karma 2010 AAR
The third full scenario produced by the Bad Karma paintball team brought players from more than three states together to engage in a re-enactment of the Tom Clancy thriller, Clear and Present Danger. It was a game featuring innovative scoring and game elements, challenging objectives, great play and even better sportsmanship.
Operation Bad Karma: Ultimate Combat Scenario 2010 AAR
Bad Karma used a unique scoring format with each side having different means of gaining points. The Special Operations team could score by taking and holding objectives, while the Cartel was able to score by delivering their packages to a single place from three bases where packages started. Both teams scored additional points for opponents elimination. Sniper missions rounded out major ways to score points.
The first half had U.S. Special Operations at 75 versus the Cartel’s 127
Second half scoring was much closer with the U.S. Special Operations at 362 and the Cartel at 392
End scores after final battle for Cafe Lindo was U.S. Special Operations at 377 and the Cartel at 402
Only two matching penalties were assessed for the entire event.
Operation Bad Karma: Ultimate Combat Scenario
U.S. Special Operations were lead by Mike “Bad Finch” Rough of Rangerball Regiment while the Cartel was lead by Kunia “Boata” Burnett of Skeleton Warriors. Teams attending included Rangerball Regiment, Skeleton Warriors and Desert Edge out of Utah, with Dead on Arrival, It Ain’t Chemo, Demon Knights and Acid Reign from Nevada. Feel the Paint traveled from Colorado, and Dog Soldiers flew in from Indiana.
Operation Bad Karma: Ultimate Combat Scenario
Noteworthy was the command of both generals in this event. Mike “Bad Finch” Rough made full use of his assets (helicopters, air strikes, scouts in the hills) to support his missions. Taking bases was really tough for the U.S. team, having to hold a base through a re-spawn and fight back superior numbers of Cartel forces closing in. Kunia “Boata” Burnett ensured that the delivery of kilos was kept up even while working to defend his bases. Both generals showed tremendous skill in marshaling their forces and were playing at the top of their game, making it a huge challenge for both sides. Special notice should also be given to the two-girl hit squad of Sterling “Safire” Rough and Alyssa Souza on the U.S. side. During the second half, they were showing up more experienced players as the U.S. team assaulted the Quarry base.
Operation Bad Karma featured outstanding competitive and sportsman-like play. Awards were given as follows:
(Badfinch in the brush)
* Event Sportsmanship Trophy: Kevin “Riddick” Hoyt from It Ain’t Chemo
* Tippmann Most Valuable Player: Marco from Skeleton Warriors
* U.S. Special Operations Most Valuable Team Trophy: Acid Reign
* Colombian Cartel Most Valuable Team Trophy: Dead on Arrival
Operation Bad Karma Elite Players:
* Sterling “Safire” Rough of Rangerball Regiment
* Michael “Bad Finch” Rough of Rangerball Regiment
* “Danger Dan” Saunders of Desert Edge
* John Cooper of Dead on Arrival
Additional awards went out to players for unique or stand out play.
* Valken Rainmaker: Pops of Feel the Paint
* Secial Ops Paintball Medal of Valor: Squeeze of Dead on Arrival
* Pinokio At Close Range: Ariel of Demon Knights and Jeremy of Skeleton Warriors
* Addiction Paintball Pablo Escobar: “Mitch Force” Clark of Desert Edge
* TechT Paintball Best War Wound: Mark “Tinnmann” Thomlinson of Feel the Paint
Operation Bad Karma: Ultimate Combat Scenario
Bad Karma would like to recognize Sterling “Safire” Rough for thinking outside the box in climbing halfway up a cliffside to act as a sniper and intel resource, radioing in movements to her command staff. Also of note was new team in the southwest Paintball community, Dead on Arrival. This team made waves in their first scenario and first game for many of the players on the team.
The Rangerball Regiment is a paintball club, and Rangerball is the style of paintball we invented and specialize in. We view Rangerball as a different branch of paintball, distinct from speedball (it’s definitely NOT speedball), and even from “recball” or “woodsball”. And while it has similarities to scenario paintball or “milsim”, it also has important differences. We are still refining and improving the way we play Rangerball, and in many ways we are working towards the ideals we set for ourselves. But, in a nutshell, here’s how we define it:
- The Rangerball Regiment is all about building leaders, and fostering leadership qualities. This in particular sets us apart from most paintball groups and events. We strive to be organized, start on time, have our gun and gear ready to go, and to be a positive influence on whatever event we participate in. Just as the real Rangers of the U.S. Army pride themselves on being the world’s most elite light infantry, we strive to be the most elite scenario paintball players.
- Rangerball is very focused on realistic military tactics, as much as possible in the paintball world. It’s not really “milsim”, since we focus on tactical EFFECTS and RESULTS, not just appearances. We do accept standard paintball markers and non-tactical clothing, and don’t insist on accurate uniforms and high-priced recreations of military weapons. But we push towards playing tactical paintball where effective formations, camouflage, fieldcraft, communications, and equipment are used. Our scenarios are military-related, instead of sci-fi, fantasy, or some other genre.
- Rangerball is properly played in very large areas, measured in miles, not acres or yards. We try to avoid using artificial boundaries, because it constrains tactical choices and decisions. Instead, in designing our scenarios and tactical exercises, we try to use geographical features, objectives and time constraints to naturally define the area of operations (AO). To us, this is the most realistic and we are constantly looking for interesting areas and and challenging terrain to play in.
- Rangerball requires players to pack everything they need along with them into the AO–paint, air, parts, tools, water, food, etc–and to be ready to move through the terrain on foot for at least a mile, often more. This puts emphasis on proper gear (vests, hydration, backpacks, etc.) and on physical stamina. Rangerball is very physically demanding, even extremely so, and we actually take pride in making it tough. It is definitely “Not for the Weak or Fainthearted”.
A word on our connection to the real Army Rangers. We are NOT Army Rangers, or in any way sanctioned or officially connected to them. The men of the 75th Ranger Regiment, and the many who have won the coveted Ranger “tab”, are among the world’s most elite soldiers. As Rangerballers, we respect and emulate the Rangers, but we are not imitating or pretending to be them.
In the paintball world, however, our events and scenarios are among the toughest (perhaps THE toughest) and we tend to attract the most dedicated and motivated players. We have also had a few active or former Rangers participate in our events, and they found what we do challenging and enjoyable. We certainly welcome others.
– Ajax
