Airsoft FAQs: What is Dead Man Walking?



Posted: Thursday, October 01, 2009

by Mike Zhang

Because airsoft relies on the honor system, a fair skirmish requires that players call themselves out when they have been hit. Players must also avoid firing at any player who has been hit but has not yet exited the playing field. A player is eliminated when he or she is hit on any part of the body, including on gear such as goggles and vests. In most cases, eliminated players are supposed to exit the field of play until a new round starts or they are permitted to reenter the game. An exception is when the game is being played with a medic. In this case, hit players typically remain down in place until the player designated as the medic arrives and "revives" them. When a medic is not part of the scenario, hit players are usually required to leave the playing field and return to the staging area, or 'safe zone,' where they remain until the skirmish ends or they are permitted to reenter the game. "Dead man walking" is a widely known expression used in airsoft to signify that a player has been eliminated and should not be a target for enemy fire.

While the "dead man walking" signal is pretty widely known, different fields have their own specific rules for what a player should do after being hit. Some organizations stipulate that hit players should carry their airsoft guns high above their heads while returning to the safe zone. Some say to both hold your weapon high while shouting "dead man walking." Being aware of what these signals mean is important not just so that you can communicate to other players when you are hit, but also so that you will not fire on another player that has been hit. Because of the variations in rules from field to field, learning the guidelines put forth for a particular event is critical to having a fun and fair skirmish.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, a leading online provider of Airsoft guns, gear and accessories. Airsoft Megastore offers guaranteed lowest prices on airsoft guns including airsoft sniper rifles.

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