Obtaining realistic firearms training can be challenging. While range training is essential for building skills, it can’t fully replicate the chaos of a gunfight. Targets don’t shoot back, and the controlled environment of a range lacks the unpredictability of real-world encounters. That’s where force-on-force training comes in.
Force-on-force training bridges this gap by using non-lethal firearm stand-ins and ammunition, creating a more realistic and dynamic training experience. Among the many options available, a company called Unit Solutions produces one of the most interesting options.
An American company, Unit Solutions was founded to provide innovative alternatives to traditional force-on-force training systems. Their platforms are designed to resemble real-world firearms, offering realistic training experiences without the drawbacks of older, established systems.
Before Unit Solutions, force-on-force training typically relied on two main options: airsoft and simunitions. Airsoft guns offer a realistic look and feel but fall short in providing a truly immersive training experience. On the other hand, simunitions use modified real firearms with swapped slides or uppers and fire chalk-based cartridges. While highly effective, simunitions come with significant drawbacks — they’re expensive, restricted to law enforcement and military use, and require the added responsibility of handling real firearms.
What Sets Unit Solutions Apart
Unit Solutions offers training platforms that look, handle, and feel like real rifles, but with a unique twist. These systems use compressed CO2 to fire smaller, paint-based training rounds, offering a more realistic experience. The rounds are smaller than standard .68 caliber paintballs, allowing each magazine to hold 30 rounds alongside a CO2 cartridge for authentic reload drills.
Unlike airsoft, Unit Solutions platforms provide realistic capacities, projectiles that leave visible marks, and recoil for a more immersive experience. At the same time, they share airsoft’s safety and versatility — usable in nearly any environment without concerns about lead, brass, or primers.
Unlike simunitions, Unit Solutions systems eliminate the risk of accidentally introducing a live round, making them 100% safe. They’re also more reliable, utilizing compressed CO2 instead of a blowback action. The ammunition is less painful, less damaging to the environment, and significantly more affordable. Best of all, Unit Solutions platforms are accessible to the average Joe, not restricted to law enforcement or military users.
The Value of Force On Force Training
We all need to train at the gun range. The Unit Solutions systems and force-on-force training are not designed to replace range training or live fire training. They’re meant to fill the gaps where range training can fall short. Targets at the range don’t move unpredictably, react realistically, or shoot back.
Force-on-force training lets you safely train with other people, adding a level of realism that static targets can’t provide. With Unit Solutions platforms, you can engage others with minimal risk — just add face protection, and you’re good to go.
This type of training opens the door to situational exercises like shoot/no-shoot scenarios, room clearing, vehicle engagements, and more. It can go as far as your imagination and needs require.
Force-on-force training allows you to experience how a live human being reacts in a high-adrenaline situation. I feel this part of training is often underutilized in the military, law enforcement, and even among prepared citizens. The Unit Solutions options have opened the door for anyone to get into force-on-force training safely and productively.
My Experience
I had the chance to use Unit Solutions platforms during a training event at the Full Spectrum Warriors facility earlier this spring. There, Rich Graham walked us through clearing rooms, taking corners, and engaging threats with Unit Solutions Unit4s. Over the course of a few days, we were able to get tons and tons of reps in.
The Unit4 had modern furniture, slings, and red dots mounted and they handled like real ARs. We were able to train with just eye pro. The safety factor allowed observers to be present in a safe and controlled manner. The Unit Solutions training rounds allowed multiple training evolutions to occur at the same time in roughly the same area.
The training rounds wouldn’t penetrate the thin walls of our training rooms. We didn’t need hearing protection, and since it was not a firearm, excessive control measures were not needed to ensure the safety of the platform or to have a lock box and armorer on the scene for firearm security.
The NT4 platforms ran reliably and offered realistic recoil that’s fairly close to the real thing. The guns shot straight at CQB ranges and landed nice solid splats on target. They’re reactive and satisfying to use and shoot.
The NT4 Collection
The company makes a ton of variants in all shapes and sizes: full-sized carbines, SBR look-alikes, PDW-sized platforms, and more. They come with realistic furniture. Some have red dots and fake cans, and others are ready for the end user to set up as they see fit.
The collections are surprisingly expansive. As of this writing, they are limited to AR-type platforms. I would love to see them expand to include handguns as well as pump action and semi-auto shotguns, but I understand why rifles are the more important consideration.
These platforms are ideal for law enforcement, military users, firearms instructors, and even the average group of guys who want to practice force-on-force training. They are legal to own without any hoops to jump through. Wear the appropriate protective gear, and you’ll have no safety concerns. Unit Solutions provides affordable and safe training solutions to underserved markets.
