Suggestion: Arm Bands

[LordSoth]

This isn't really a field idea as much as a general suggestion so I apologize if this is in the wrong discussion group.

I was wondering what other people thought of getting arm bands for each team? The reason I ask is because I felt friendly fire was a pretty big issue this past weekend. I know myself and another person I was there with were taken out by friendly fire.

That is the basic question, the rest of this post is just voicing what I see as some of the pros and cons of arm bands. A pretty big down side to arm bands is that if something is bright enough for your team-mates to see then it will be bright enough for the opposition to see and have a negative impact on hiding and attempting to ambush. Another negative side-effect is it reduces the "realism" in the situation.

In that regard I think that if everyone who came played together all the time as the same sides then you would over time get to know each other and what each person wears/uses, so you would be able to recognize friend from foe. However without that familiarity it is VERY hard to figure out if the guy you are looking at is out to get you until after one of you starts firing... by then it's too late.

I see the positive impact as pretty big... during a couple of games I was very hesitant to attempt any sort of flanking maneuver because I was concerned about coming back toward my own team and us not know who the other was and ending up being taken out or taking out someone from my own team. Another time during the bomb defusing round two guys had flanked my position but hesitated long enough for me to get cover because they weren't sure which team I was on.

I also realize this will cost money. I checked a few sites and I don't know if Tim or the folks at Critical Mass can get a better price but considering you would be looking at buying enough for 50+ people that could cost a little bit. I personally wouldn't mind donating a little money to help pay for them and all four people I came with said the same thing. One option would be for Tim or someone to setup a PayPal account for this purpose, then anyone could just make donations to the account to help off-set the cost of the bands.

I know this is a long post but I just wanted to fully flesh out my suggestion.

Thanks,
Jeremy

[Timothy Newman]

I do have one set of arm bands but it only has about 10 of each color. I am going to get more.

[Harbinger099]

Armbands! WE need no stinkin Armbands" A simple way to tell if somone is on the opposing team is simple. THEY ARE SHOOTING AT YOU! Now if someone is shooting at you and you are actually on the same team. Well, Someone obviously didnt get the memo. So shoot em they probably deserve it anyway. Right Haus.

[badkarmamedic]

A cheap solution:
I know it is tough sometimes, and some people are short on cash, but if we each got a pack of bandannas that has a 3 pack of red, blue and white, about 3-4 dollars for a pack at wal-mart. tie or tape the color team your on to your hopper. And you'll have a white one to blow your nose.
Done.

[Gargoyle]

That's a good idea!

PBJ's has a few Red & Blue Armbands. They are fancy! I think they ordered more ..

But your idea could have 3 teams on 1 field!
Problem is, that if all of the players don't have a pack, then they can't be on a team. And what if they forgot their pack that day? Or if we have guests, then they can't participate either. We would have to have extra's around and someone would have to babysit the inventory ... Someone who is there all of the time.

But I like your idea anyway.

[Ryan]

we can just keep them all in the garage right next to the shelter

[xolo]

if armbands are implemented, I'd recommend that it's an optional thing.

Because mainly the advantage for someone wearing an armband is that the person wearing it needs to fear less over being shot by his own team. Therefore removing it doesn't hurt your team at all, only you.

I see a few advantages to removing your armband mid game (add to your stealth, confuse enemy, etc), and showing it when you feel you may be fired on by your own team (a kind of 'badge' idea). That way the cons and the pros are satisfied (not completely, but close).

dan, from deutschland

[Todd]

Ja, Deutschland ist prima. Das ist gut ja!

[robster]

well , most places if you remove your arm band your out! so there can be a movition for keeping it on