Share  By Josh Silverman, photos by of Bjanas-Eye-Photography.Blogspot.com: So many large scenario events in the United States are based on World War 2. In fact, the two largest scenario events in the country are even based upon the same historic events of World War 2, the invasion of Normandy on D-Day, 1944. While neither of these issues are in-fact a problem and respectful remembrance of World War 2 is a noble and great thing, the United States has been embroiled in numerous other conflicts that could make for a fun scenario game plot.
One field, Command Decisions, has been brave enough to break out of the World War 2 “mold” for their flagship game and strike out into new territory for their plot. Command Decisions, a successful and player-friendly paintball field in North Carolina defined by its challenging terrain and love for paintball tanks, has been growing “Fulda Gap,” their signature game, for four years and enjoyed massive success with it for 2009, drawing one thousand players, dozens of teams, several tanks and numerous vendors! By far and away the largest scenario game in the Carolinas and one of the biggest recreational paintball events in the Southeast, Command Decisions’ Fulda Gap game is based on a Cold War plot pitting the forces of NATO, led by the United States, against the dreaded Russian bear and the Warsaw Pact as they spilled across Europe in the opening days of what might have happened if the Cold War had ever heated up. Such a plot opens up many great role-playing and leadership opportunities for interested players and teams, from spots on Special Forces and airborne units inserted behind enemy lines to leadership of armies of the various countries involved in the epic battle for supremacy in Europe. For 2009, the NATO forces defending Europe against the Communist onslaught would be led Joseph “Sideshow” Holleran of teams IYAOYAS, while the Warsaw Pact would be led into battle by Kent “X-Man” Jones of team Boxer. Each overall commander would disseminate their orders and put their strategy into effect via numerous units within their armies, each led by a unit commander in hands-on charge of large contingents of players. These units and their commanders utilized radios to stay in constant communication with their comrades and move efficiently and effectively across the rolling and challenging Command Decisions terrain, dominated by two large firebases in the open at one end of the field, a small city near the staging area and a heavily wooded and fortified area at the far end. The various forts, hills and cities spread across the playing field, along with acres of rolling wooded terrain, provided players of all skill levels and playing styles with places to play that were in keeping with their preferred type of paintball.  Players began arriving at Command Decisions mid-week, setting up campsites and staking out staging areas that would be their homes through Sunday. While some chose to stay in hotels in nearby, a massive number of the players attending the game camped at the facility, giving the game a true paintball festival atmosphere as game-time approached. While the days were warm, nights at Command Decisions dipped into the thirties and campfires and thick clothing were necessary to keep the blood flowing to the extremities. Weather for the weekend’s game was ideal, with bright sunshine and temperatures both Saturday and Sunday climbing into the seventies. Paintballs for the game were provided by the event’s new major sponsor, Valken. The company brought several brands of top-notch paintballs to the game along with a full array of their new playing gear, and paint prices were fair. Other vendors at the game included Pinokio Hoppers, Planet Eclipse, Conlee Custom Camo, Deadbox Clothing and Lapco, who came all the way from California to support the event! Tiberius Arms was in attendance and brought with them several cases of their rifled First Strike rounds, which were available for use at the event. Air stations were placed strategically at the field entrances closest to each side’s camping and staging areas and while during high traffic times lines sometimes grew long, the courteous air staff did their best to keep up. Catered food available at the event was excellent and prices were reasonable.
So many walk-on players descended on Command Decisions Saturday morning for the Fulda Gap scenario that the start time of the game had to be pushed back an hour to get the nearly 200 additional players registered and ready to play! This wasn’t a problem, as it allowed the generals to review strategy, teams to congregate and players to browse the vendors, who were arrayed conveniently between the staging area and the playing field. By midday the game had started, with Special Forces from each side inserted behind the lines of each team. As Warsaw Pact forces stormed across the border and into NATO territory, the 2009 Fulda Gap game was officially underway. Play immediately became intense as hundreds of players from each side battled for fortified, wooded hillsides, firebases, cities and key props. Several tanks, varying from netted dune buggies to massive armored vehicles, roamed the field, leading pushes, annihilating enemy infantry and taking out strongholds. Before long, the Warsaw Pact had pushed deep into NATO territory and the NATO commanders were kept busy, constantly shifting units, teams and individual players from one place on the field to the other in an attempt to contain them. No sooner had a Warsaw push on one area been stunted, than another massive attack would come from a different direction. Strong, dedicated play by several teams and individuals on both sides helped keep the game close as Saturday darkened into Saturday night, though most in the know understood that the Warsaw Pact was in the driver’s seat. Despite the cold temperatures, many players took to the field for Saturday’s night game, though many more chose to head to restaurants, hotels or campfires instead.  Sunday’s play was, in many ways, more aggressive and intense than Saturday’s, as Warsaw, already in the lead, looked for a knockout punch and NATO forces, aware that they were behind on the scorecard, threw caution to the wind in an attempt to throw Warsaw back and score points in the late rounds. NATO forces pushed into Command Decisions’ city field near the staging area, pushing Warsaw players out and through the trees behind, all the way back to their bases. However, while this was happening on NATO’s right side, their left side was falling and eventually Warsaw was able to stabilize a skirmish line. Even a defection on the part of the East German forces from the Warsaw Pact to NATO couldn’t shift the momentum away from Warsaw Pact, who finished the event with a narrow but clear-cut victory, 4,100 points to 3,600.
With gorgeous late fall weather, a great field with plenty of varied and challenging terrain run by wonderful people, a great referee staff led by Chris Johnson and several CFOA officials, excellent paintballs provided by Valken and the support of numerous industry vendors and sponsors, the 2009 Fulda Gap event ended a huge success. News for 2010 is even better, as massive additions to Command Decisions have been announced that will add an even greater dimension to one of the fastest growing and most enjoyable games in paintball! For more information visit the official website of Fulda Gap, www.FuldaGap.com
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