Gaming & the Air Force
Author: Staff Sgt. Craig Bersca, 57th Wing, Nellis Air Force Base
Resilient. Inclusive. Supportive. Positive. Passionate. These are just a few words that are synonymous within the esports and gaming industry.
The power that gaming possesses to bring people from all walks of life together in the most positive, supportive and encouraging of ways is remarkable.
Oftentimes, I am asked why any of that matters. As a United States Airman, I have seen time and time again how gaming has brought hope to someone, has given another a sense of belonging or how it has even saved a life. As resiliency issues continue to plague the Air Force, there has never been a more opportune time to bring esports and Airmen together.
I grew up on games; board games, card games and, my favorite, video games. What’s more is that a great majority of my fellow Airmen did as well. There’s something meaningful about the challenges and achievements that I have experienced by playing games, but my greatest takeaway is experiencing and belonging to the communities they produce.
I absolutely love the electric atmosphere that exists at major esports tournaments, which is easily on par with professional traditional sports. I also cherish the opportunity to slow life down, get some friends together and play a fun board game. Gaming is a universal language spoken by millions and I’ve had the honor and privilege to meet some of the most incredible, fun and loyal individuals ever through esports and games.
Back in July of 2019, myself, Capt. Oliver Parsons and 1st Lt. Matthew Matuszak came together, recognizing the glaring need for a community that truly embodies the wingman concept to alleviate some of the pressing issues existing with the Air Force.
Our solution was simple: Air Force Gaming; an esports and gaming organization for all Airmen. Shortly after we launched our grassroots initiative, we had Master Sgt. Jared Martin and Staff Sgt. Ben Kelsey join the leadership team. Each member has brought a unique experience within esports and gaming to help contribute to the organizations incredible success.
By identifying the urgent need for such an organization to exist within the Air Force, we’ve collectively leveraged our strengths and knowledge to what Air Force Gaming is today: the force’s most resilient community. All of what we have accomplished thus far has been done with zero funding, been carried out by strictly volunteer hours and executed with the shear determination to give our wingmen what they most certainly deserve.
In just a few short months, we’ve been able to connect thousands upon thousands of Airmen stationed around the globe together through the community of esports and gaming. Airmen have been able to utilize both the Facebook and Discord platforms to connect with other Airmen at their duty stations.
In one case, an Airmen had just gotten to their first duty stationed out of tech school; because of the AFG Facebook page, they were able to meet 5 other Airmen stationed at the same base and ended up getting together to socialize and play games. There have been multiple “watch parties” where Airmen gather together on Discord in voice communication channels and watch a major esports tournament.
By coming together, it enabled them to share their love and passion for certain players or teams in real time. Lastly, AFG leadership got together with hundreds of Airmen to celebrate both Christmas and New Year’s and took part in multiple community gaming events. Air Force Gaming has created an unparalleled and resilient community within the Air Force; a social fabric and connectedness that spans the world.
Giving Airmen the opportunity to belong to a community outside of normal duty hours or their AFSC is imperative. It directly fosters a genuine social connection, promotes a healthy state of mental wellbeing and gives one the assurance of knowing they belong to something they’re passionate about. Not every Airman will want to open up socially on the flight line, at the Med group or at the front gate of the base.
Not every Airman will want to approach their supervisor or flight chief about personal issues. However, they may prefer to grab coffee with a League of Legends teammate and wingman they just played in a local tournament with or get on Discord and talk to their best friend stationed overseas while they play Call of Duty together. Allowing an individual to communicate within the realm of their known comfort, without fear of discipline or displeasure, can drastically improve any given situation.
The power of community within the esports and gaming ecosystem is unmatched, creating some of the most resilient individuals you will ever find.
The Air Force needs resilient Airmen.
The Air Force needs Air Force Gaming.
Staff Sgt. Craig Bersca is a Green Flag Maintenance Liaison in the 549th CTS at Nellis AFB and is one of the co-founders and leaders of Air Force Gaming.
Learn more about Air Force Gaming: https://airforce.gg/
Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Air Force. The appearance of external links on this site does not constitute official endorsement on behalf of the U.S. Air Force or Department of Defense. The Air Force does not endorse any non-federal government organizations, products, or services.
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