Rural NC plays host to realistic guerrilla-style Army training exercises

Students from the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, based out of Fort Bragg, will participate in two-week Robin Sage training exercises in multiple N.C. counties through Feb. 4, officials confirm.

The training will take place in rural areas across Alamance, Anson, Bladen, Brunswick, Cabarrus, Chatham, Columbus, Cumberland, Davidson, Guilford, Harnett, Hoke, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, New Hanover, Randolph, Richmond, Robeson, Rowan, Sampson, Scotland, Stanly, Union and Wake counties.

Robin Sage exercises are the students' final test of their Special Forces Qualification Course training.

The exercises depend on military members from Fort Bragg, who act as realistic opposing forces and guerrilla freedom fighters during the training. Civilians also volunteer as actors in the training, making the exercise more realistic for trainees.

Public Affairs Officer Janice Burton said Robin Sage training has taken place in North Carolina for more than 50 years, and it wouldn't be possible without the community's help.

"It is the people of North Carolina who love and care for our soldiers that make the exercise such a success," she told WRAL News. "They look out for our soldiers, let them sleep in their barns, give them rides and bring them food."

Public safety officials in each area are aware of the training, and measures are in place to ensure no harm to people or property, organizers said. Among the safety measures, students will wear a distinctive brown armband in the rare occasion they appear in civilian clothes. Training areas and vehicles used during exercises will also be clearly labeled.

If anyone has a concern, they are asked to contact their local law enforcement, who will immediately contact training officers.