iCS (or infrared combat simulation) is a reality based combat game that is taking the world by storm. Using realistic, full size, simulated weapons that emit beams of infra red light and wearing sensor packs which register hits from the "guns," players attempt to defeat members of opposing teams and accomplish various mission objectives contained within a game. The simulated weapons fire an LED based beam of invisible light at distances ranging from 150 feet to 1000 feet.
The typical beam that is transmitted from a weapon of iCS exits the barrel and expands to a spherical pattern approximately 2 to 3 feet wide for approximately 3/4 of its distance. The remaining beam dissipates, getting thinner and thinner for the remaining 1/4 of its life. So shots up close require a little less accuracy and shots taken at long range require more accuracy. Beam suppressors are fittings for the muzzles of the weapons which narrow the beam, shorten the range and greatly reduce unwanted reflectivity. In the case of room to room combat, such as in a hotel or church building, reduced reflectivity is very important. Many of the weapons have optics, scopes and red dot sights installed on them as well, for easier target acquisition.
Players often wear mid range, GMRS or FRS radios with ear bud mics or throat coms, which allow them to communicate freely with one another and receive orders from a team leader or captain. Communication between team members is paramount in this game because unlike Paintball, iCS is mostly played at night and shots are usually taken at a lot longer range (between 200-500 feet). When visibility is minimized and colors are harder to make out, it is of high importance to know where your teammates are and where your enemies are.
Infra red emitting grenades, smoke grenades and flash bangs are among some of the other items utilized by players of iCS .
When a "weapon" is fired at a sensor pack (worn on the center of the forehead and the middle of the back) an audible and visible "hit" registers, that is to say the sensor vest lights up and flashes.
The sensor vests register one hit per trigger pull. In the case of fully automatic weapons, the hits register one after another, rapidly, as the trigger is held down. In total, the vests will receive 10 hits before they shut down and a player is "out," but games/ missions are often played where only one to three hits take a player out of the game.
Short games are called "missions" and are usually anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes long. Often times, theme games or scenario games are played over several hours, including many missions within them. A typical scenario game will include a story line or plot which is usually revealed piece by piece as the game unfolds. Players are given roles to act out during the game (FBI agent, SWAT team officer, drug cartel, political figure or thug to name a few) and certain props that go with those roles (briefcase, handcuffs, etc.) to add to the realism.
Far more than just mindlessly running around shooting each other, iCS is about communication, teamwork and integrity. It's clean, safe fun that rewards common sense, courage and creativity. It's about stepping out of your own shoes for a few hours or so to experience something different and exciting. It's where fantasy and reality meet.
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