A two-week military exercise called Robin Sage began Friday in and around Fort Bragg.

Residents might hear blank gunfire or see flares during the exercise, which ends May 25, according to military officials.

It is the final exercise before students at the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School graduate to Special Forces.

Fifteen North Carolina counties are involved in Robin Sage: Chatham, Hoke, Moore, Scotland, Alamance, Anson, Cabarrus, Davidson, Guilford, Montgomery, Randolph, Richmond, Rowan, Stanly and Union.