A “realistic” warfare exercise will take place on private land from Jan. 22 to Feb. 4 where young soldiers will battle seasoned “freedom fighters.”
QUICK FACTS:
- The U.S. Army announced they will be conducting a two-week “unconventional warfare exercise” in North and South Carolina where soldiers will duke it out with “freedom fighters,” in guerrilla war exercise.
- The Charlotte Observer reported that the exercise will be taking place on privately owned land in North Carolina as a drill for those in special forces training.
- The exercise will take place Jan. 22-Feb. 4 and include the sounds of gunfire (blanks) and flares, according to U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School said in a news release.
- The news release from the school stated that they “appreciate the support and consideration the citizens of North Carolina extend to the soldiers participating in the exercise and thank them for their understanding of any inconveniences the training may cause.”
HOW THE ARMY CONDUCTS THE TRAINING:
- According to a report in The Fayetteville Observer, special precautions for the drills include extensive briefings for civilian participants.
- Students in civilian clothing are made to wear distinctive armbands during the exercises.
- Training areas and vehicles used in the exercise are clearly labeled for the benefit of any civilians in the area.
BACKGROUND:
- The exercise, known as a Robin Sage training exercise, is the final test for Special Forces Qualification Course Training, according to a report in Yahoo News.
- Students involved in this drill act as if they are “realistically” opposing guerrilla freedom fighters labeled Pineland’s Resistance Movement.
- Civilian volunteers throughout the state act as role-players to add a layer of realism to the exercise, something the military called “crucial” to the success of the training.
