MARS closes its season with a week long Gothic Line X

MARS held Gothic Line X from 10 to 17 October 2026 at its field in Leavenworth County, near Easton in Kansas. The event recreated fighting on the Italian Front in October 1944, during the Second World War.

The Gothic Line was the last major German defensive line in northern Italy. It was built on the orders of Field Marshal Albert Kesselring along the ridges of the Apennine mountains. In June 1944, as the Allies advanced, the Germans renamed it the Green Line. Fighting along it continued through the autumn and winter of 1944, in rain, mud and mountain terrain.

The photograph above, taken in November 1944, shows part of the fortifications used against the American Fifth Army.

MARS runs historical milsim events in which companies of players fight each other rather than small teams. Gothic Line X followed that pattern, with company against company play across the week. Players had to follow authenticity guides, which set out what uniform, equipment and replica each role should carry.

The field is in Leavenworth County, about 45 minutes from Kansas City International Airport, which makes it reachable for players travelling from other states. MARS has been running events for more than ten years.

We have not been able to confirm ticket prices or the number of players from the organiser's published material, so we have left them out.

The rest of the MARS year

Gothic Line X was one of several MARS events in 2026. The Nikopol Bridgehead was held from 20 to 22 February, and Operation Santa Fe IV, set in Vietnam in 1967, took place from 19 to 21 June.

What it means for players

Historical milsim asks more of players than a modern skirmish. Getting a period correct uniform and replica takes time and money, and the authenticity rules can be strict. The reward is an event where everyone looks and plays the part, and where the game follows a real campaign rather than a generic scenario.

In the UK, Second World War airsoft has a dedicated following, and several groups run events with similar authenticity standards. Players thinking about a trip to an American event like this one should read the authenticity guide early, as building a correct loadout can take months.

What happens next

We will report on the MARS calendar for 2027 when it is published. This was the tenth Gothic Line event in the series.