Strange that a message was sent to us at the Popular Airsoft Facebook Page about an event in Panama with no introduction whatever, save for a copy and paste of their FAQs. Well, this of course means that we need to ensure everything checks out. A big airsoft event in Central America, and in Panama at that, which will be held from the 30th of January to the 1st of February 2015, is an interesting thing to write about.

According to the organisers, Operation Thunderbolt is specifically designed 100% for Milsim Teams, "During the operation two armies will collide in a battle where strategy, intelligence, cunning, mobility, courage and military tactics (ambushes, map navigation, compass and GPS, camouflage, snipers, communications, etc.), are going to be tested and taken to the limit.  In order to achieve victory, each army commander will have to maximise his theater of operation capabilities and proper management of the personnel under his command."

Now, they say that Panama is the "Vietnam of the Americas" not in terms of the Norte Americanos' losing the war, but its tropical location makes it ideal for training in jungle warfare for the US Army. This is the nearest place for them rather than travel all the way to the Philippines when they had two of the largest US bases outside of the US before they got kicked out in the early 1990s.

For airsoft Milsim teams in the whole of the Americas (North, Central, and South), Panama can be the best place to converge, meet other Milsim team and play against them.  Registration is now open so for interested Milsim teams wanting an intensive international Milsim event, they might as well register now and save-up on travel expenses as the event is still over 8 months away.

As of the moment, the priority will be choosing members of the Strategic Command Groups for both armies. These groups will be the officers who will have to work together to ensure victory for their groups. Those interested in command responsibilities can contact the organisers as soon as possible.

If you're looking for even more Milsim challenges, then Operation Thunderbolt might just be the event. There are already lots of information at the Operation Thunderbolt website and you can download a PDF file here for English-language readers. Just click on the poster below to start downloading and FAQs from the organisers are listed below.

OPERATION THUNDERBOLT FAQs
PANAMA 2015
JANUARY 30TH TO FEBRUARY 1ST

1. Do I need to have a high level of fitness to participate in Operation Thunderbolt?

No. There are two groups, one with 40 participants that will form the Combat Divers Group (GRUMEC) and another with 80 participants that will form the Amphibian Command Group (COMANF), which will be vol¬untary but one must be in excellent physical condition and health to be selected. For others this will not be required, a good physical conditioning will be enough, because there are many goals in urban and open areas , you will not get 100 % of the time stuck in the closed jungle or wandering over long distances.

2. How will be the aspect of rest, since there will be three days of uninterrupted fighting?

You will be able to rest because of the rules that will be given to the Strategic Command Group (SCG) of each army is that each trooper is required to rest a minimum 6 hours a day . There will be a rotation in the time of rest, a good management of the SGCs is necessary for this to occur. We’ll be overseeing all the rules, including this one we think is very important.

3. What about toilets , baths and personal hygiene as they are three days of combat?

Within the area of safety and organization of the event, that also serves as the International Peace Force (IPF ) Base , there will be portable toilets , showers and military style sinks for participants who wish to refresh themselves from the heat of the battle. Important for those who intend to use this facility to bring their own towels and personal hygiene items.

4. I know I’ll receive my military rations (MRE) to cover the 3 days of fighting, even so I can take more food ? There will be places where I can buy food and drink if necessary?

Yes, in addition to military rations you can take what you want and think is necessary to sustain yourself. The only restriction, for security reasons, is the use of portable stoves or bonfires. The potable water supply to all the participants will be free and unlimited. For those more hungry there will be some stalls selling food and drink, that within the area of IPF.

5. I know this is a 100% milsim event, but I only have hi-caps magazines. So, I will not be able to participate?

At first we decided to totally prohibit the use of Hi-caps magazines, but received feedback from many teams that are making the transition towards milsim with their training and gear and would be very expensive to replace their operators’ magazines in time to participate in Operation Thunderbolt. We made the decision to allow the use of hi-caps magazines for 2015 only, making it clear that this will not be allowed in subsequence Thunderbolt Operations.

6. Should I bring my tent and sleeping bag as it will be 2 nights on the field?

Yes, you should bring your tent and sleeping bag, or just a sleeping bag and mosquito net as the possibility of rain is almost zero at this time of year in Panama and there are many military installations where can sleep inside. Please note that only tents and sleeping bags in green olive, black, sand, desert camouflage will be allowed to enhance the realism.

7. Should I take a lot of batteries for my AEG since they are many hours of combat?

There will be several points for batteries recharge within the battlefield. Still we recommend to bring at least two batteries per replica.

8. When I was filling my application, I noted a question about Jungle Survival Training.  Will this be of extreme necessity?

No. The reason for this question is to know how many already have a certain jungle experience. In the near future, we will provide short duration curse focused on techniques of jungle warfare based on the originals manuals Jungle Operations Training Center (JOTC) of the United States Army.

9. My team and I do not have 100 % milsim knowledge. Will this be a problem?

No. The design for Operation Thunderbolt is not only to test the teams that already are 100% milsim orient¬ed with their equipment and tactics, but also provide the contact and exchange of experiences between teams from around the world, regardless of their different levels of milsim airsoft knowledge. We are con¬fident that with this exchange we’ll have more efficient and skilled teams for the next editions of Operation Thunderbolt in the use of such knowledge.

10. What structure will be at my disposal during Operation Thunderbolt, beyond medals, trophies, embroidery, transportation, replica maintenance, etc. already disclosed?

This is to better understand on what is covered with the registration fee.

Thunderbolt is not a common Sunday event. It is an operation that will last for three days created and executed within the concepts of 100% milsim. ie, is a military operation. Each Army will have their own trucks, jeeps, quads, boats, mortars, FROGS, base radio repeater, fortified structures and trenches. Remember also that the event has a whole wide security framework (insurance, ambulance, first reponders, medical and firemen), support (water, toilets, showers, sinks and electricity) and staff (30 people working 24 hours on STAFF) to provide you the best and safest 100% milsim event in Latin America , compared in quality and magnitude with the best in this category in the U.S. and Europe!