You might have just signed up for your first Tactical Games regional event… or maybe you’re still on the fence, wondering what all the hype is about. Heck, you might not even know exactly what The Tactical Games (TTG) are. No worries – you’re not alone. In short, TTG is a gritty blend of fitness and tactical shooting. Think functional fitness meets marksmanship – all while wearing a plate carrier. It’s as intense as it sounds, and honestly, it’s a blast. If you’re looking to dip your toes in without jumping straight into a full-blown regional competition, The Tactical Games offers something called Tactical Games Skirmish. According to TTG, a Skirmish is “a low-pressure single-day event, which is great for getting started or working on specific skills to get ready for a Regional.” I’ve attended several Skirmishes myself, and in this post, I’ll share what they’re like, why they’re worth checking out, and how they helped prepare me for the real deal.
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The Tactical Games Skirmish – What It Is
The Tactical Games (TTG) hosts Skirmishes across multiple states, with several events happening each month. You’ll find them popping up in places like Minnesota, Arizona, Ohio, Idaho, and Texas. TTG is constantly expanding these to grow the sport and give folks a chance to experience what a real TTG stage feels like – without diving into the deep end.
These Skirmishes are low-pressure, single-day events that typically include four stages: two TTG-style stages (think functional fitness meets shooting) and two shooting-only stages (more like USPSA or 2-Gun setups). It’s a great way to dip your toe in the water or sharpen your skills without the stress of a full weekend competition.
The Tactical Games Skirmish – What You Need
Before jumping into your first Skirmish, you’ll need a full Tactical Games loadout. You might be wondering, “What exactly does that include?” Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered.
To compete, you’ll need a plate carrier that weighs 15 pounds for men and 12 pounds for women (yes, they will weigh it at check-in). You’ll also need a battle belt, ear and eye protection, a rifle, a handgun, magazine pouches, a holster, and hydration. I also recommend packing plenty of snacks, at least 100 rounds for each weapon system, and five magazines for both your pistol and rifle.
It might sound like a lot at first – but once you’re geared up, you’re set to tackle almost any stage they throw at you.
The Tactical Games Skirmish – Worth Checking Out
The Skirmish gives you the chance to combine fitness and shooting – something you won’t get at your average range. Most ranges frown on dropping into burpees and then sending rounds downrange. But at a Skirmish? That’s exactly the point.
What I appreciated was the low-pressure environment. You can ask questions, get coaching, and try out different gear or techniques while working through the stages. I got to drag a sled, then transition right into shooting my AR and handgun at targets downrange. It’s tough to recreate that kind of scenario at your local range.
If you’ve ever been curious about competing in The Tactical Games, I highly recommend signing up for a Skirmish. And if you’re already registered for a TTG Regional Event, then you definitely want to hit a few of these beforehand to sharpen your skills. It’s the perfect blend of fitness and shooting – with a lot less stress.
Plus, who doesn’t want to say they did burpees and rang steel on a Saturday?
The Tactical Games Skirmish – Prepare
I competed in a Tactical Games Skirmish in Minnesota before heading into the Iowa Regional event. My thought process was simple: I wanted more trigger time and a training environment that closely mirrored what I’d face in a real TTG event.
So, was it worth it?
Absolutely.
When I got to Iowa, I felt way more relaxed. First, the Skirmish helped me shake off the nerves. Second, the setup and flow felt similar to what I saw at the Regional, which gave me some much-needed confidence. It also gave me a chance to dial in my shooting while under physical stress – running drills like sled drags into rifle transitions helped me feel more prepared for that elevated heart rate during stages.
Honestly, just getting more reps in with my gear and weapons made a huge difference. If you’ve signed up for a Tactical Games Regional, or you’re even just thinking about it, I’d strongly recommend doing a Skirmish. It’s a smart investment in your prep, and it gives you a feel for the chaos – without the pressure.
The Tactical Games Skirmish – Final Thoughts
After experiencing The Tactical Games Skirmish in Minnesota, I’ve got to say – it was an awesome experience. It was a refreshing change of pace with a more relaxed environment, perfect for testing your fitness and shooting skills in a one-day event. It gave me the chance to push myself physically and shoot under pressure, all while going head-to-head with other competitors.
If you’re prepping for a Regional event, a Skirmish is 100% worth the investment. It’s a great way to build confidence, shake off nerves, and get a feel for what a full Tactical Games weekend might be like. Plus, most ranges don’t allow you to combine physical movement and shooting like this, so having that access is huge.
Whether you’re just curious or already signed up for a Regional, I highly recommend giving a Skirmish a shot. You’ll get valuable trigger time, meet great people, and come away better prepared. If you have questions or want to share your own experience, drop a comment below – I’d love to hear from you!
Photos provided by Rosie’s Lens
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