SPRING 2013
SPRING 2013
Preparing for D-Day
How does one prepare for the biggest game of the season ? Well a great start is knowing people who have been there . I am lucky enough to know a few great fellas from the CEF that I meet every year at the Command Decision ’ s War Centre game , Fulda Gap in North Carolina . Wally Illman from Commonwealth Expeditionary Force sent me an excellent D-Day check list that is as long as my arm however I ’ m sure it ’ s necessary if you are staying a week in the most anticipated game for every paintballer .
I have been preparing with physical activities such as chin ups and push ups to help my upper strength to make sure I can pull my own weight around the field . I also wear my tac vest while I am working out , so I am use to the extra weight . Some sit ups to help with my core for I know there will be a lot of bobbing and weaving from ducking enemy fire . Running and hill climbing for I know there will be a lot of that ! Squats because we as paintballers are always put in awkward situations to hold a marker at a certain area for a long period of time and sometimes it ’ s crucial to be able to hold that position .
Also preparing for heat exhaustion . How do we do that in Canada ? Well seeing how our country is mainly a hockey rink for half the year , I wear layers , lots of layers when I run . Build up the heat and sweat to prepare when to push more and not to . I have read that the heat there is intense and with all the physical activity you are doing , its not hard to over heat . I like to prepare what that atmosphere is going to be like in order to adapt and know what you can do to prevent it . Knowing to keep my head covered so it ’ s out of the sun and doesn ’ t cook my brain . I learned that lesson well at Living legends .
Another thing to prepare for is my knowledge of the game rules and field . I made sure to read the Q & A that D-Day provides . Click here to visit the D-Day FAQ .
Passport and any documentation of my equipment and belongings encase any questions at the airport . Personal identification in each bag with all my contact information so if anything is to go missing they can contact me .
If I bring a tank I am sure to De-Gas my tank and take the regulator off , cover the tank in some wrap so it doesn ’ t get damaged and the regulator as well and leave an identification card inside if they have any questions . If not I will just purchase a tank at the field .
I ensure all my marker information is up to date and the batteries are removed so the customs agents don ’ t get concerned it ’ s something else .
Business cards for yourself are a great asset and you don ’ t have to own a business to have one . Just something simple with your name and any contact information you want to provide . Email , phone , facebook info . That way you can network with others and with all the new people you meet in this awesome sport it ’ s a great way to keep in touch because everyone has pockets … but not everyone has a pen ;)
I am packing light on this trip so I don ’ t have a lot to carry around with me when I don ’ t have a vehicle to store it in . I am going to survive off the camaraderie of my brothers and the trust in the human way of life to help myself and others on this trip .
One thing is for sure I am bringing my respect and courtesy with me as well . Some travelers don ’ t realize how much of a change of culture we have even for some miles . I notice a culture change just going over to my neighbor ’ s house and I need to respect their way of life . Respect will get you a long ways in life and showing respect for others will earn you the same back , sometimes double .
This way I know what to expect and waste less time asking questions and looking for answers on what to do .
I also have been studying maps of the field and watching videos to see the actual terrain and anticipate my positioning and the enemies .
This game is too far away for me to drive with the amount of work I have back at home , so I will be flying and making sure I am prepared for all the regulations that go with that :
I ’ m making sure to pack extra socks for it is important to keep your feet in excellent condition for they will be the only things carrying you around on that field .
Plan your attack and then Attack your plan is what I always say . I hope to meet some of you who are reading this at D-Day . I ’ m going to be the rookie on this field … for now ;)
Rob McLellan Regional Commander Valken Corps Ontario
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