A few short months back, we bravely pulled back the curtain on the thundery noises you sometimes hear coming from down Fort Bragg way (spoiler: it’s almost always soldiers doing soldier things).

Well, if a recent story from North Carolina’s newspaper of record is any indication, Lee Countians and people in 18 other nearby counties will be hearing – and maybe even seeing – a lot more similar activity through much of August.

The News and Observer reported Monday night that soldiers from Fort Bragg will conduct the “Robin Sage” exercise here as well as in Alamance, Anson, Cabarrus, Chatham, Cumberland, Davidson, Davie, Guilford, Hoke, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph, Richmond, Robeson, Rowan, Scotland, Stanly, and Union counties. From the N&O’s report:

It’s all part of the final test for 200 students to qualify for their first assignments in the Army’s Special Forces, according to a news release from the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Bragg.

Military members from units across Fort Bragg will act as “realistic opposing forces and guerrilla freedom fighters” during the two-week “Robin Sage” exercise, according to the announcement. Robin Sage “is the U.S. military’s premiere unconventional warfare exercise,” the news release said.

The N&O says that we may see flares and hear (blank) gunfire, but not to be alarmed, as law enforcement and public safety officials in the affected counties have been a part of the planning process.

Still, if you see something, say something. First, to the proper authorities, and second, by leaving a comment here. Tell us what’s going on out there!

Support our advertisers.