Blacksheep MILSIM is a state-of-the-art military simulation (MilSim) experience created with the goal of giving players a taste of combat in a safe, controlled, game-oriented environment.

This is not your typical airsoft competition: it’s the marathon of the sport — a totally immersive, totally transformative experience that tests you to your limits mentally, physically, tactically and spiritually.

The sport of MilSim has been mostly underground up until now, but it’s positioned for a significant surge in mainstream popularity in the years to come. Blacksheep MILSIM is recognized throughout the MilSim community as the gold standard: the most challenging, rigorous tournament in the industry.

Operation Blacksheep events are 24-hour, squad-based, force-on-force tactical simulations built on teamwork, cooperation and objective-oriented gameplay. Operation Blacksheep follows a tournament structure, with local and regional events feeding into the national-level competition. To help players develop their knowledge and skill set, Blacksheep MILSIM also offers training workshops, as well as manuals detailing MilSim rules and strategies.

Unlike most airsoft games, which sell a Hollywood, video-gamified version of combat with no roots in reality, every aspect of Blacksheep gameplay has its roots in authentic military protocols and tactics. In fact, Blacksheep’s gameplay is so immersive and true-to-life, our rules, equipment and protocols are quickly becoming the national standard for the sport.

Operation Blacksheep is about much more than “playing soldier.” It’s a powerful tool for building teamwork, leadership, communication and other valuable skills that carry over into every aspect of life, from work to personal relationships.

MilSim can have a powerful therapeutic impact as well: numerous military and law enforcement veterans have come forward with stories about how the MilSim experience has helped them readjust to civilian life, or process and overcome traumatic experiences from their time in the field.

Blacksheep MILSIM is committed to doing our part to support America’s heroes, whether they’ve served at home or abroad. We have launched the PTSD-MILSIM Challenge with the specific goal of exploring the potential applications of MilSim play for PTSD treatment.   We have also created the PTSD MILSIM Foundation as a non-profit to establish required relationships with medical and research professionals; to broaden support for the cause; and provide clear oversight of the program.  Visit the PTSD MILSIM Foundation at http://www.ptsdmilsimfoundation.org.

Blacksheep MILSIM is already a household name within the MilSim community, and we’re well on our way to achieving mainstream recognition on a national scale.

Blacksheep MILSIM launched its flagship event in Fort Drum, New York in 2008. That first event has grown to over 600 players.

Today, Operation Blacksheep has expanded from base of 2 successful events in New York and Virginia to new venues in Connecticut, Maine, Michigan, Wyoming, Oregon, Arizona, Mississippi, Georgia, South                         Carolina, Virginia and Kansas.

Blacksheep MILSIM is proud of our perfect safety record, which we have maintained for all 7 years our events have been operating.

We have partnerships in place with MilSim industry leaders. 

Our team has established contacts in Hollywood for the development of a television series about this competitive event.

We have other new projects in the works as well, including a modified Operation Blacksheep experience perfect for children and a line of official Blacksheep branded products including apparel and equipment.

Blacksheep MILSIM founder John Bucciarelli, Major, Infantry, U.S. Army Retired, is a proud military veteran who served in leadership positions across the world during his 20 years of service. He has been an active member of the MilSim community for nearly 10 years, teaching combat effectiveness and preparedness to committed players nationwide. His devotion to the sport is manifested in his training programs and in the attention to detail required to effectively simulate real tactical operations.

John founded Blacksheep MILSIM with the goal of giving players a taste of combat in as real an environment as could be produced safely. He named the company in honor of one of his posts: B Company, 6th Battallion, 6th Infantry, 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division in Bamberg, Germany — also known as Bravo Blacksheep. In addition to his involvement in MilSim, John is a published author on the topic of leadership, and actively engaged in his community, church and family life.