I WRITE as a regular airsoft player who attends the urban assault games at RAF Upton. We do not mill around by any means (Hunts Post, January 10). Each game has a strategy both for attack and defence and it s up to each team to agree tactics and impleme

I WRITE as a regular airsoft player who attends the urban assault games at RAF Upton. We do not "mill around" by any means (Hunts Post, January 10).

Each game has a strategy both for attack and defence and it's up to each team to agree tactics and implement them. Many of us are in communication by means of short-range radios to co-ordinate tactics. In any contact sport you do get some shouting and exuberance. But you hear this outside of a soccer or rugby match. There are rules and those who break them will end up getting banned.

The guns we use are highly sophisticated and quite expensive semi-automatic, low power air guns. There is no report as such as no actual bullets are fired (only biodegradable spherical pellets) but the distinctive sound of the rapidly operating gearbox can be heard. You do not need to wear ear defenders to fire such a gun. Safety wear is insisted upon during and after gameplay, as are rigorous safety precautions.

Grenades are used and they do go bang, but these are low yield and nowhere near as loud as the air-bomb-type fireworks that truly terrify our pets on November 5, Christmas and New Year.

Military simulations are also conducted and because of the very strict rules attract a dedicated following of responsible professionals. Although airsoft as a sport draws people from all walks of life, you get quite a high proportion of ex- and serving military personnel taking part.

It's great fun and also extremely good aerobic exercise. Carrying a 3-4Kg gun around all day, with often protracted bursts of furious activity, lots of running for instance, will not only get you fit, but keep you fit too. I would recommend it as an alternative to other team sports.

DR NICHOLAS V ASHLEY, Sawtry