The first team elimination scenario was designed to separate pretenders from contenders. Bravo Company found themselves assigned to "Compound Assault"—a mission requiring them to breach a fortified position, eliminate defending forces, and secure three separate objectives within a thirty-minute time limit. Failure meant immediate elimination from the tournament.
Alex lay prone behind a fallen log 200 meters from the target compound, his VSR-10's scope revealing details that would be invisible to his teammates' naked eyes. Through the magnified optics, he could see the defending team's positions, their movement patterns, and most importantly, the fields of fire that would make or break Bravo Company's assault.
"Overwatch, report," Marcus's voice crackled through Alex's radio earpiece.
"I count six defenders," Alex whispered, his voice barely audible even to himself. "Two in the main building's second floor, one in the guard tower, two mobile patrols, one stationary position covering the main approach."
"Weapons?"
Alex adjusted his scope's focus, studying the defenders' equipment. "Support gunner in the tower with what looks like an M249. Riflemen elsewhere, standard loadouts. The mobile patrols are carrying breaching charges—they're expecting us to try the obvious approach."
"Copy that. Stand by for movement."
Alex settled deeper into his shooting position, feeling the familiar calm that came with having a specific job to do. His role was clear: provide precision fire support, eliminate key targets, and give his team the advantage they'd need to succeed against a prepared defense.
The compound was a maze of shipping containers, wooden barriers, and purpose-built structures that offered dozens of defensive positions. In recreational play, teams might charge in with overwhelming firepower and hope for the best. At Regional level, that approach would result in swift elimination.
"Overwatch, we need that tower cleared before we can advance," Marcus said.
Alex shifted his aim to the guard tower, where the support gunner was scanning the treeline with professional alertness. The range was 180 meters—well within his capabilities, but the target was partially concealed behind steel plating that left only a narrow window of opportunity.
"I need him to expose himself more," Alex replied. "Current position gives me maybe a six-inch target window."
"How long?"
"Give me two minutes. Mobile patrols are on a predictable route. When they pass the tower, he'll shift position to coordinate with them."
Alex had learned patience from Rodriguez—the understanding that precision shooting was often about waiting for the right moment rather than forcing a difficult shot. Through his scope, he tracked the mobile patrol's movement, timing their circuit and predicting when the tower gunner would need to reposition.
Thirty seconds. The patrol approached the tower's base, and Alex could see the gunner beginning to shift his position for better communication.
Fifteen seconds. The target was moving into Alex's predicted firing lane, exposing more of his torso as he leaned out to signal the patrol.
Five seconds. Perfect sight picture, steady breathing, natural point of aim aligned.
Alex's shot broke with the smooth surprise that indicated perfect trigger control. Through the scope, he watched the BB strike the target center mass, and the tower gunner raised his hand to signal his elimination.
"Tower clear," Alex reported, already shifting his aim to the next priority target.
"Outstanding. Maintain overwatch, we're beginning our approach."
What followed was a masterclass in small unit tactics that showcased everything Bravo Company had learned during their months of training together. Maya led the assault element in a coordinated advance that used terrain and suppressive fire to minimize exposure. Jake provided technical expertise, identifying the best breach points and potential booby traps. Sarah's aggressive rifle work kept defenders pinned while the team maneuvered.
Alex's job was to eliminate threats that his teammates couldn't see or engage effectively. When a defender tried to flank Maya's position, Alex's shot eliminated him before he could complete the maneuver. When the mobile patrol attempted to reinforce the main building, Alex's precision fire forced them to take cover and disrupted their timing.
"Overwatch, we need suppression on the main building's second floor," Marcus called as the assault team prepared for the final push.
Alex shifted his aim to the building's upper windows, where two defenders were laying down accurate fire that had pinned Bravo Company's advance. The range was only 120 meters, but the targets were using proper cover and exposure discipline that made them difficult to engage.
This was where his training with Rodriguez paid dividends. Instead of trying to force shots at partially concealed targets, Alex waited for the defenders to make mistakes. When one leaned out too far to track Maya's movement, Alex was ready. When the second defender shifted position to get a better angle, Alex's follow-up shot eliminated him as well.
"Second floor clear. You're clear to advance."
The final phase of the assault was a blur of coordinated movement and precise execution. Bravo Company breached the main building, cleared the remaining defenders, and secured all three objectives with four minutes to spare—a margin that drew approving nods from the scenario judges.
"Bravo Company, mission complete," the head judge announced. "Excellent tactical execution, minimal casualties, all objectives secured within time limit. You advance to the next round."
As the team regrouped for debrief, Alex felt the satisfaction that came from knowing he'd contributed meaningfully to their success. His precision shooting had eliminated key threats and enabled his teammates to maneuver effectively. More importantly, he'd performed under pressure without letting anxiety affect his shooting.
"Alex, that was textbook overwatch work," Marcus said as they walked back toward the staging area. "Your target identification and elimination sequence gave us exactly what we needed."
"The tower shot was particularly impressive," Maya added. "Difficult angle, moving target, perfect timing. Rodriguez would be proud."
Alex felt a flush of pride, but also the awareness that this was just the beginning. The elimination rounds would get progressively more difficult, and the teams they'd face next would be the ones that had also succeeded in their initial scenarios.
"How many teams are left?" he asked.
"Sixteen out of the original thirty-two," Marcus replied. "We're officially in the top half, which is better than I expected for our first Regional."
The second elimination scenario was announced an hour later: "Urban Warfare"—a complex mission involving civilian rescue, multiple objectives, and a defending team that would actively hunt the attackers rather than simply holding static positions.
Alex studied the mission briefing with growing concern. Urban warfare scenarios favored close-quarters combat and rapid movement over precision shooting. His overwatch role would be limited by the terrain, and the team would need to rely more heavily on their assault capabilities.
"This one's going to be different," Jake observed, echoing Alex's thoughts. "Lots of buildings, narrow sight lines, close-range engagements. Not ideal for precision shooting."
"Every scenario plays to different strengths," Maya said. "We adapt and overcome."
The urban warfare course was a maze of plywood buildings, shipping containers, and obstacles that created a realistic cityscape environment. Sight lines were limited to 50 meters or less, and the multiple levels and interconnected structures would make overwatch positions difficult to establish and maintain.
Alex found himself assigned to a rooftop position that offered limited fields of fire but good observation of the overall battlefield. His job would be intelligence gathering and target identification rather than long-range elimination.
"Overwatch in position," he reported, settling behind a low wall that provided concealment while allowing him to observe the street level through his scope.
"Copy. Report movement and positions. We're beginning infiltration."
The urban scenario was unlike anything Alex had experienced. Instead of the methodical, long-range engagements he'd trained for, this was a fast-paced game of cat and mouse where information was more valuable than precision shooting.
Through his scope, Alex tracked the defending team's movements, calling out positions and predicting their tactical decisions. When Maya's element needed to cross an exposed street, Alex identified the overwatch positions that threatened them. When Jake's breach team approached a building, Alex spotted the ambush waiting inside.
"Contact left, second floor window," Alex called as a defender moved into position to engage Sarah's team. "Range 80 meters, partially concealed."
The shot was well within his capabilities, but the angle was awkward and the target exposure was minimal. Alex took his time, waiting for the defender to commit to his firing position before taking the shot.
Miss. The BB struck the window frame inches from the target.
"Damn," Alex muttered, working his rifle's bolt to chamber another round.
The defender had spotted his muzzle flash and was now actively trying to engage Alex's position. What followed was a precision duel at close range—both shooters trying to land accurate shots while using minimal cover.
Alex's second shot was perfect, striking the defender center mass and eliminating him from the scenario.
"Target down," Alex reported, but he was already scanning for the next threat.
The urban scenario continued for twenty-five minutes of intense, close-quarters combat that tested every aspect of Bravo Company's tactical abilities. Alex found himself adapting to a role he'd never trained for—mobile overwatch, moving between positions to maintain observation and fire support as the team advanced through the urban terrain.
When the final objective was secured, Bravo Company had suffered two casualties but completed the mission within the time limit. More importantly, they'd demonstrated the tactical flexibility that separated good teams from great ones.
"Bravo Company advances to the quarterfinals," the judge announced. "Report for briefing at 1400 hours."
Eight teams remained out of the original thirty-two. Bravo Company had officially reached the elite level of Regional competition, and Alex could see the mixture of pride and determination in his teammates' faces.
"We're in the quarterfinals," Sarah said, her voice carrying a note of disbelief. "At our first Regional, we made it to the quarterfinals."
"Don't get comfortable," Marcus warned, but he was grinning despite his cautious words. "The teams we're facing now are the ones that have been here before. They know how to win at this level."
Alex cleaned his rifle with methodical care, thinking about the challenges ahead. The precision shooting had gone well, but the urban scenario had pushed him outside his comfort zone in ways that were both uncomfortable and educational.
His phone buzzed with a text from Rodriguez: *Heard about your performance today. Precision challenge and team advancement both impressive. Stay focused, trust your training, and remember—pressure is a privilege.*
Another text from his mom: *Tony told me you placed third in some kind of shooting competition! So proud of you, mijo. Can't wait to hear all about it.*
As Alex prepared for the evening team meeting, he reflected on how much had changed since that first day at Pete's shop. Three months ago, he'd been a lonely kid with no friends and no purpose. Now he was competing at the highest levels of his sport, contributing meaningfully to a team's success, and discovering capabilities he'd never known he possessed.
The quarterfinals would bring new challenges and stronger opponents. But for the first time since arriving at Regional, Alex felt like he truly belonged at this level of competition.
He'd proven himself under fire. Now it was time to see how far that could take him.
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**Author's Note:** Alex's first taste of high-level team competition shows both his strengths as a precision shooter and the challenges of adapting to different tactical scenarios. His third-place individual finish and strong team performance demonstrate how dedication and proper training can lead to success even at the elite level.
I'm really enjoying writing about the tactical complexity and teamwork aspects of competitive airsoft. What did you think of the balance between Alex's individual skills and his role as part of the team? Are you excited to see how Bravo Company performs in the quarterfinals against even more experienced opponents?
Please let me know your thoughts in the comments - your feedback helps me understand what elements of the story resonate most with readers. Thanks for following Alex's journey, and don't forget to leave a review if you're enjoying the story!