Final Blog

The United States has not had a military draft since the Vietnam War era. For merely 50 years, it had not been peaceful either. From the heat of desert combat comes Operation Desert Shield, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom to the humid jungles of foreign territories serving Operation Western Accord and Operation African Lion, just to name a few. Battles had not always been overseas, as safeguarding our freedom is the duty of the United States military. Missions stateside span all over the United States as well, such as Operation Arrow, Operation Summit, and Operation Javalin's Thrust. 

Freedom like many things in the world, is not free. The challenge I propose here is to answer an extremely hard to answer question. How might game-styles mechanics improve or alter the way that future soldiers, units, and entire forces function? In short, did gaming put forth some type of help in recruiting, sustainability in military forces and advancement in today's world? Could that be the reason why we lack drafts?

Per recruiter say, Enlistment is at a all time high this past decade, of which I had sworn in on my oaths during the past decade as well.

I remember when I was a kid, there were video games like SWAT4, Call of Duty, Counter Strike, America's Army, Battlefield. All of which takes a different approach in intellectually stimulating the brain, creating a certain kind of interest in combat and adrenaline. But none of these games could even vaguely relate to what real experiences are. In part, maybe Battlefield 3 in the recent year could vaguely relate. I could make a list and point out the wrong in the different games. Call of Duty: Warfare is not run and gun, ranks are wrong, some weapons are not in service or even real in modern warfare (no pun intended). Counter Strike: Weapons animated and accuracy are wrong. America's Army: Soldiers simply don't do what they do in the game. The list can go on, but what's the point.

I do however want to cover the M4A1 service rifle, since I am a weapon enthusiast. We all remember Counter Strike right? Well the latest Counter Strike is built in Source engine coding. Renders a little more beautifully. (pic 1)


This is a photo shows the weapon M4A1 which is one of the service rifles of the United States Marine Corps, along with its sister rifle M16A4. Both are very similar, only difference really is the butt stock. Which the M4A1 is six stock collapsable while the sister rifle is a fixed butt stock affixed onto the lower receiver part of the weapon. When you first play this game, it's fun, it's exciting, it's intense, and it's realistic. But that realism quickly takes a turn after you play with any of the Colt series rifles.


Of course, besides the awesome $1800 price tag of an optics, if handled correctly, capable of ranging up to 800 yards point target. Well besides that, could you see a very big difference? (pic 2)

I was betting money that you couldn't find the difference, how about with this added photo. It should be more clear. This is a survivability difference. (pic 3)

The difference is in the ejection port and forward assist. The ejection port is the "hole" in which the spent round, the brass gets pulled out by the ejector in the bolt. While you load a new magazine regardless of size, the forward assist sits the round correctly into the chamber preventing a failure to fire when the trigger is squeezed. In short, it is built on the wrong side in the game, hence, the the reason why you have died, each and every round. Well what about left handed shooters, the weapon is built the same way. Colt Defense manufactures all of the M4A1. M16A2, and M16A4 that are still in operation in the United States Marine Corps. The reason for the ejection port to be on the right side is simply logical as the brass fly away versus across your face or worst, into your face.

Counter Strike Global Offense (CS:GO) is schedule to launch in the next few days. Consider the image, the problems had been fixed, and a fold up tactical sight is on this model of the M4. However, with a shorter barrel, and still inaccurate information regarding the weapon itself (along with all the other weapons). 

"If you make a game so realistic, you should finish the damn job."

Ejection port on the right side of the weapon for the reason that it won't hit yourself. I couldn't help but laugh at this guy for various reasons. His shooting posture is wrong, and being so fearful of being hit by brass and flinching. (video)

Assuming your combat buddies are not afraid of brass, the M4A1 is highly marketed in video games, and other recruiting usage, even recreational use. You would hardly find a gun range that won't rent you a M4A1.

If a video game is to be made with realistic intentions, perhaps it should follow through, especially in games that are all time classics like Counter Strike.

It makes me feel to this day I have yet to find a game that resembles truth in shooting a weapon. I know the day will come that a game will resemble so much reality that it would literally scare the #$@% out of me. Of course, I could say more about planting explosives in Counter Strike as well ;)

Entering Bomb Site A in DE_DUST using a M4A1. Counter Strike: Source, 2008. Source

Bottom: Colt M4 with Reflex Scope (22LR Caliber)Top: Colt M4 with Trijicon TA31-RCO ACOG Optics (5.56 NATO Caliber & 22LR Bolt Carrier Group Conversion)
2012 Personal Collection

Split second after firing a M4A1 with Trijicon TA31-RCO ACOG Optics (5.56 NATO Caliber)
2012 Personal Collection

Exiting CT Spawn Site in DE_DUST using a M4A1, Counter Strike Global Offense, 2012. Source