Rangerball Regiment
This wasn’t going to be so long, but it captures some of my thinking on where we’re going with all this Rangerball craziness. I’ve shared parts of this with some of you, but its time to start writing it down.
Rangerball Regiment Formed
I just formed an email group "Rangerball Regiment" for internal communications about the upcoming Operation Black Thorn (20-21 Oct), and other Rangerball issues. You have been the core guys helping me get the whole concept rolling, and we've sweat and bled together on the field (OK, maybe not so much blood, but a little!) So, I’m now declaring the “Rangerball Regiment” formed, and you are the charter members.
I'm also adding to the list Dan Saunders, aka "Danger Dan", the commander of Team Desert Edge up in SLC. He’s not yet eligible to be in the Regiment (hasn't played Rangerball yet, but will soon), but we're in virtual mind-meld about the kind of paintball we want to play, and he's going to be a valuable resource as we grow. Thanks already Dan, I'm glad you found us!
Regimental Dues
Now is probably the time to determine yearly dues for Regiment members. I’m thinking $20 would be a reasonable amount (for starters). But am willing to hear other ideas. I figure that would include entry into all Rangerball events for a year, including Black Thorn. Maybe other stuff, like patches, a newsletter, etc. The Regiment members are those serious about advancing Rangerball, and working towards the larger vision (bigger even than paintball—deserves a separate email).
Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and Delta Companies
Knowing not everyone can dedicate tons of time to this, I’m thinking we form sub-units for different levels of involvement. Alpha Company is the competitive team, that practices regularly, goes to SPPL and other scenario events, and goes as high-speed as they can. They might even have tryouts. Then, Bravo, Charlie and Delta Companies (could keep going with Echo, Foxtrot, etc.) can be less intensive, but still serious teams that play together whenever possible. Maybe they’re based geographically (i.e. guys in Washington) or on groups that have played together (like Jason’s “Sandtown” group). For Delta Company, I’m thinking about a youth team (12-16?). Let’s train these young Rangerballers up right. Also, nothing says a Charlie or Hotel Company can’t get really competitive either. Just that Alpha Company is supposed to be the “best of the best”.
Rangerball Battalions in other areas?
Right now Rangerball is really just a southern Utah thing (BTW, that makes us the 1st Rangerball Battalion of the Rangerball Regiment), but obviously word is spreading fast. I can see the day when groups/teams in other areas may want to get into it. They could form their own Battalion, as part of the Regiment. And they’d have their own Alpha, Bravo, Charlie companies. For example, a team like Desert Edge could also be (based on certain criteria we establish) the 2nd Rangerball Battalion, with an Alpha and Bravo Company. They could still keep their original team name, but also adopt the Rangerball ethos as their own. (Don’t mean to pressure you Dan, just using you as a hypothetical).
Rangerball Association
This would be a larger body of people that maybe aren’t ready to commit to the Regiment, or perhaps aren’t yet up to standards (still to be determined). The Association people want to get notifications of events, or maybe they are in the process of “qualifying” for the Regiment. In a way, this is an smaller equivalent of the SpecOps Brigade. Not sure if these guys would pay anything. Then again, maybe they pay to get the newsletter, After Action Reports, Lessons Learned, special discounts, etc.
Three Tiers
So, basically we have a 3-tier system/organization. The Association for the casually-interested. The Regiment for the dedicated Rangerballer. And the Companies for those playing as a team, and at higher levels—possibly very competitive.
OK, what are your thoughts?
T.T.
Rangerball Regiment Formed
I just formed an email group "Rangerball Regiment" for internal communications about the upcoming Operation Black Thorn (20-21 Oct), and other Rangerball issues. You have been the core guys helping me get the whole concept rolling, and we've sweat and bled together on the field (OK, maybe not so much blood, but a little!) So, I’m now declaring the “Rangerball Regiment” formed, and you are the charter members.
I'm also adding to the list Dan Saunders, aka "Danger Dan", the commander of Team Desert Edge up in SLC. He’s not yet eligible to be in the Regiment (hasn't played Rangerball yet, but will soon), but we're in virtual mind-meld about the kind of paintball we want to play, and he's going to be a valuable resource as we grow. Thanks already Dan, I'm glad you found us!
Regimental Dues
Now is probably the time to determine yearly dues for Regiment members. I’m thinking $20 would be a reasonable amount (for starters). But am willing to hear other ideas. I figure that would include entry into all Rangerball events for a year, including Black Thorn. Maybe other stuff, like patches, a newsletter, etc. The Regiment members are those serious about advancing Rangerball, and working towards the larger vision (bigger even than paintball—deserves a separate email).
Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and Delta Companies
Knowing not everyone can dedicate tons of time to this, I’m thinking we form sub-units for different levels of involvement. Alpha Company is the competitive team, that practices regularly, goes to SPPL and other scenario events, and goes as high-speed as they can. They might even have tryouts. Then, Bravo, Charlie and Delta Companies (could keep going with Echo, Foxtrot, etc.) can be less intensive, but still serious teams that play together whenever possible. Maybe they’re based geographically (i.e. guys in Washington) or on groups that have played together (like Jason’s “Sandtown” group). For Delta Company, I’m thinking about a youth team (12-16?). Let’s train these young Rangerballers up right. Also, nothing says a Charlie or Hotel Company can’t get really competitive either. Just that Alpha Company is supposed to be the “best of the best”.
Rangerball Battalions in other areas?
Right now Rangerball is really just a southern Utah thing (BTW, that makes us the 1st Rangerball Battalion of the Rangerball Regiment), but obviously word is spreading fast. I can see the day when groups/teams in other areas may want to get into it. They could form their own Battalion, as part of the Regiment. And they’d have their own Alpha, Bravo, Charlie companies. For example, a team like Desert Edge could also be (based on certain criteria we establish) the 2nd Rangerball Battalion, with an Alpha and Bravo Company. They could still keep their original team name, but also adopt the Rangerball ethos as their own. (Don’t mean to pressure you Dan, just using you as a hypothetical).
Rangerball Association
This would be a larger body of people that maybe aren’t ready to commit to the Regiment, or perhaps aren’t yet up to standards (still to be determined). The Association people want to get notifications of events, or maybe they are in the process of “qualifying” for the Regiment. In a way, this is an smaller equivalent of the SpecOps Brigade. Not sure if these guys would pay anything. Then again, maybe they pay to get the newsletter, After Action Reports, Lessons Learned, special discounts, etc.
Three Tiers
So, basically we have a 3-tier system/organization. The Association for the casually-interested. The Regiment for the dedicated Rangerballer. And the Companies for those playing as a team, and at higher levels—possibly very competitive.
OK, what are your thoughts?
T.T.
posted by TT at 12:30 AM
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