F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo. -- -- F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, has recently started up its own gaming league. While an Air Force-wide gaming league already existed, F.E. Warren AFB is also giving its Airmen more chances to get involved with gaming on a local level.
“Big Air Force’s gaming league was put together by some very passionate Airmen in an effort to make an inclusive gaming community for everyone across the board,” said Amy Hebert, the community communications manager on F.E. Warren AFB. “Whether they be dependents, guard, or active duty, it doesn’t matter. They’re trying to unite people through a love of gaming.”
A dedicated server has been created for the gaming league on F.E. Warren AFB for anyone wanting to join.
“You can join the Discord server and you’ll get to meet new people, play games, and stay motivated all of which goes into boosting morale,” said Hebert. “The local server happened as a result of COVID-19 last summer. We created that when all of our facilities were shut down that way we could still reach out to people in the missile field and host a bunch of pop-up tournaments.”
The server has multiple channels dedicated to specific games to assist users in finding other Airmen to play with.
“The Air Force has its own programs and tournaments that you actually have to sign up for and get to compete in,” said Hebert. “For example, this weekend they’re having a Valorant tournament as well as a Magic: The Gathering tournament.”
The Air Force Gaming League is hosting their first official Season of Air Force Gaming League where Airmen and Guardians can compete with other teams to be champions across different video game titles.
“Here locally on Feb. 14, we’ll be holding a Call of Duty: Modern Warfare tournament,” said Hebert. “Basically there’s always something going on every weekend.”
Finding commonality amongst a group of diverse people in the Air Force can help unite people and make people feel like one team.
“There is a market now based on people's work schedules and COVID-19 restrictions whether that be you're in quarantine or maybe your schedule puts you up all night and you’re not able to communicate with people in person,” said Hebert. “This is a convenient work around that allows that communication. You can be in the field, at your home in your basement or even TDY and you’re still able to login and reach a supportive community.”
The F.E. Warren Discord server shows another element of the Air Force’s continuous pursuit of innovation.