In military command systems, unit types are standardized symbols used to represent the role and function of units on a map.
They allow commanders to instantly recognize what a unit is responsible for – infantry, reconnaissance, engineering, support – without relying on text. This shared visual language makes maps readable and effective under pressure.
Airsoft Force Tracking applies this same concept to airsoft and milsim gameplay.
NATO-based symbols in AFT
Unit types in AFT are based on the NATO Joint Military Symbology standard.
This means that icons are not decorative – they carry meaning.
At a glance, the map communicates what kind of units are operating, not just where they are.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NATO_Joint_Military_Symbology
Available unit types
- Standard AFT version – Players and teams are represented as infantry units.
- AFT PRO version – Users can choose from around 30 key NATO unit types, covering the most common roles used in organized gameplay.
This allows the map to accurately reflect the structure and specialization of forces on the field.
Unit types for players
Each player can define their own unit type, representing their individual role.
To set your unit type:
- open the Navigation Menu,
- select Define Myself,
- choose the unit type that best matches your role.
This setting controls how your player icon is displayed on the map when the map is in player view.
Examples of player roles include infantry, sniper, engineer, or medic.
Unit types for teams
Teams can also have their own unit type, defined by the session administrator.
A team unit type represents the function of the entire team, such as:
- engineering team,
- reconnaissance element,
- support unit.
Team unit types are configured when editing an army in Session Management → Armies.
This creates a clear separation between:
- individual roles (players),
- and organizational roles (teams).
Player view and team view
AFT allows switching between two map abstraction levels using the toggle:
Show Players / Show Teams
- In player view, the map displays individual player icons, each using their personal unit type.
- In team view, individual players are hidden and the map displays team icons only, using the team’s unit type.
This makes the system usable both for close tactical coordination and high-level command.
Team size indicator
When team view is enabled, an additional piece of information is shown.
Above each team icon, AFT displays the team’s defined strength, as configured in the team settings.
This number represents the real-world size of the unit, even if not all members are using the app.
Players who are:
- marked as hit,
- or offline for a longer period,
are excluded from the position calculation, ensuring the displayed location reflects active forces only.
Why unit types matter
Unit types transform the map from a collection of generic icons into a readable tactical overview.
They allow commanders and organizers to:
- instantly recognize roles and capabilities,
- understand force composition at a glance,
- and make faster, more informed decisions.
Combined with team abstraction and unit strength indicators, this creates a level of clarity that simply does not exist in most competing systems.
Unit Types are not cosmetic.
They are a core building block that allows Airsoft Force Tracking to scale from small skirmishes to large, multi-hundred-player events — without losing readability or control.