Following a recent move to France, our very own Canadian “GHOST” – officer with the Commonwealth forces of Oklahoma D-Day, had opportunity to enjoy some paintball European style. The first of many it is very safe to assume. Pull up a chair as GHOST himself recounts his journey and epic game of paintball over a two day period.
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DATE: 23-24 JAN 2010
LOCATION: VEKRING, FRANCE
The ruins of an abandoned French military base, only a few kilometers from the German border, was the setting this past weekend for an epic clash between two rival European scenario paintball teams.
The Grey Swines, of Belgium, took to the field 36 strong to face their long-time Dutch rivals, the Jackals. With just 15 players available, the odds appeared (initially at least) to be stacked against the Jackals. Of course, appearances can be deceiving.
The Jackals, which form the basis for the Dutch Scenario Team, boast some of the most experienced and successful scenario players in Europe. Team FUBAR, playing with the Jackals, was the winner of the Dutch Scenario League in 2009. Three Jackals players, including their leader Wim, experienced front-man Wouter, and newest recruit GHOST (the only non-Dutch player on the team), are all serving members of the Commonwealth Expeditionary Forces of Oklahoma D-Day renown.
The Jackals put this wealth of experience to good use over the weekend, delivering the Swines a series of crushing defeats over the course of two days of intense scenario play, losing just four of a dozen matches played.
While this contest was a casual one, organized jointly by the Jackals and Swines
to pratice, improve skills, and build cooperation between two great European scenario teams, the results nonetheless served to underscore the level of talent and ability on the victorious Dutch side. Jackals leader Wim credits the performance of the Jackals to their excellent communication, teamwork, and agrressive play-style. These are skills that the Jackals have been developing for several years, but which they have perfected since Wim and Wouter joined the CEF for Oklahoma D-Day in 2009. The intesity of preparation, commitment to offensive action, and careful attention to coordination that characterized the CEF play-style is something that has worked well for the Jackals, who have incorporated the best of what the CEF has taught them to their play at home.
Wim is proud of his association with the CEF, and sees the international stage as the next step for the Jackals team, who have already made waves in European scenario circles.
For GHOST, who leads the CEF 6 Airborne at Oklahoma D-Day, and recently moved to Europe, teaming up with CEF team mates Wim and Wouter was a natural move. “The CEF is an international scenario team, comprised of many local teams from across Europe, Canada, and the US. Living here is a chance to help Wim and Wouter and our comrades in the UK Scenario Team across the Channel to continue to build up European representation in the CEF at Oklahoma D-Day. Conversely, it is also an opportunity to continue to build and expand the CEF. D-Day is only one of the many events we participate in over the course of the year. There are tons of scenario talent in Europe, and some amazing competitive scenario leagues that we would like to see the CEF represented at.”
What about D-Day 2010? “Count on seeing many more Dutch and Belgian players in the ranks of the CEF from now on,” says GHOST.
“And count on seeing much more of the CEF at major European events as well”
Article and photos courtesy of GHOST
