US Army Special Forces test exercise to start in N Carolina

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (AP) - The sounds of war are about to fan over 19 counties, but the U.S. Army says residents should be unconcerned.

Citing a release from the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center at Fort Bragg, the Charlotte Observer reports that the “Robin Sage” exercise begins Wednesday. The two-week unconventional warfare exercise is part of the final test for 200 students to qualify for their first Special Forces assignments

Around 500 military members and civilian support personnel and 150 members of the public are expected to take part. Soldiers will act as “realistic opposing forces and guerrilla freedom fighters.”

The center says residents might hear blank gunfire and see occasional flares, but controls will ensure no risk to people or property.

The exercise will end Aug. 17.

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Information from: The Charlotte Observer, http://www.charlotteobserver.com