MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The six-man team from Ordnance Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12, combined quick thinking, precise maneuvering, marksmanship and teamwork to over power the team from Headquarters, Marine Aircraft Group 12 Nov.22 in the final round of the Unit Paintball Challenge here.
The single-elimination tournament, sponsored by Marine Corps Community Services, Health Promotions, involved seven teams from different units around the Station and took place on the paintball range. "The challenge gave the Marines a chance to get out and have some fun," said Laura Klien, fitness coordinator MCCS health promotions.
The top two teams, Ordnance MALS 12 and Headquarters Marine Aircraft Group 12 were awarded cash prizes that went to their unit party fund.
Before taking the field the teams were issued the same facemasks and paintball guns, leaving any advantage up to the players experience level.
During each match, opposing teams were staged on opposite ends of the field and told to stand by until the whistle sounded. At the shriek of the whistle, players rushed the opposing team, spraying a barrage of paintballs and taking cover behind various obstacles.
"It was a lot of fun and the competition between units was intense," said Cpl. Rob Sorg, MALS 12 Supply team.
The matches were intense and gave Marines a chance to use some of their tactical training.
"Paintball is a great stress reliever, and it seems to create a lot of camaraderie among the units," said Bobby Dillard, one of the tournament's referees.
Shot by shot each team was thinned out until only the best players were left without a splatter of fluorescent paint.
"Once a player is "marked" he is out," noted Dillard. "Whichever team ends up with the last man on the field wins."
Each team fought hard to close width and destroy using different techniques and strategies. But in the end, after all the war cries and splattered paint, there could be only one winner.
"What did you expect," said the winning MALS 12 team as they walked away with the money, medals and bragging rights.