Training scheduled for more than 4,000 Soldiers of the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Pennsylvania Army National Guard and Seal Team 10 at the Joint Readiness Training Center beginning today and set to last until Dec. 12 will include live fly training.
The fly training will includ fixed-wing military aircraft conducting urban close air support (CAS) and will occur over DeRidder, Leesville, and Oakdale. Training commences Dec. 2 and ends Dec. 12.
The Soldiers training at JRTC are prepared for their participation and deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism through exposure to a number of intense combat scenario events set in a realistic environment. They will be challenged to use their skills against JRTC’s 1st Battalion (Airborne), 509th Infantry, the Opposing Force (OPFOR) for JRTC.
Local motorists will notice a higher volume of out of sector vehicle traffic (large convoys of large vehicles such as Strykers, etc) moving from the North Fort Polk area (Alligator lake) to the Peason Ridge training area. This traffic will occur 24-hours a day with the highest volumes being from 6 - 8 a.m. daily. The route will take them from Alligator Lake, North on 469 crossing highway 28 continuing north up to the Peason Ridge Training area where they will cross highway 117 into Peason Ridge. Traffic will run in both directions from each of these locations, 24-hours a day. Residents will also notice an increase in helicopter flights.
In order to minimize non-rotational traffic in the North Fort Polk training area, all motorists must use alternate routes around the Forward Operating Base and Self Airfield. Temporary barriers are in place to direct traffic flow. Detour signs will be posted on Mobile Street and Entrance Road.
Ground personnel participating in live fly training will wear military uniforms, be unarmed, and drive military vehicles (HMMWVs) or vehicles with military licenses plates. Additionally, personnel will contact respective police departments each day prior to entering towns to conduct urban CAS training.
Any issues concerning noise or training may be directed to the Fort Polk complaint line at (337) 531-1431.
Fort Polk, La. —
