MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Long gone are the days of unit physical training being limited to the daily seven and a cadence calling run.
Now is the time where units can PT together in a variety of different ways to increase moral, camaraderie and have a little fun.
One of the best ways for units to accomplish this is unit paintball at the Station's paintball range.
Paintball is a sport in which two teams go head to head in attempt to brightly color their opponents using paintball markers.
The markers, which are nothing more than carbon dioxide or nitrogen powered gun, shoot soft gel balls filled with brightly colored paint to mark a hit on a player.
Although it may sound dangerous to a first timer, experience players know the game is completely safe due to the high quality equipment and the necessary precautions used by the field, according to Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael Yamarino, builder with the Station's Seabees and a paintball field referee.
"The goggle system we use is a full head covering that covers every vital area on the head and is a higher grade of plastic then the goggles used in motocross," he said. "All markers at the field are set to shoot no faster then 300 feet per second, which is not even fast enough to break skin from only ten feet."
The safeness of the sport makes it perfect for anyone to participate in. "It doesn't matter if you are big or small, young or old, male or female- everyone can come out and get painted," said Yamarino.
The range is open for games on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and can be reserved on any other day for group activities.
The field has two areas that can be used for different types of games. Two of the most common games are elimination and capture the flag. However, the field's officials have used their expertise to create a variety of different games to include the "dummy mission". The dummy mission is a game where team members escort a 120 pound dummy through the field and into enemy territory.
"The dummy mission is just an example of the endless possibilities when playing paintball," said Lance Cpl. Kyle Haskins, firefighter with Crash Fire Rescue, and paintball referee. "When units come out to play they can play the traditional games, or make up the rules as they go."
A place for paintballers to practice their sport and for beginners to learn is not the only thing that the paintball range offers however.
The range also offers everything to get a paintballer into the game with all the necessary gear. A $20 rental package is available for first timers, and includes everything needed to begin playing such as the marker, goggles, a full air tank and 200 rounds of paintballs.
Unlimited air is also available for two dollars, and paintballs are available at $70 a case for field grade paint, and $80 a case for premium paint.
If some serious competition gear is desired by the player, then the field also sells high quality markers, goggles and gloves, and is currently working on implementing an equipment ordering system. Three of the officials at the course are also trained to make modifications on certain types of markers.
For more information on the Station's paintball field, or to reserve the field, call 253-3822.