Avery County is one of the counties across North Carolina, according to a news release from the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, where from May 10-23rd, special forces’ candidates take their final test for the Special Forces Qualifications Course, known as Robin Sage.
The “unconventional warfare exercise” is the last hurdle for soldiers in the Special Forces Qualifications Course at the Warfare Center and School based at Fort Liberty, formerly known as Fort Bragg. Upon successful completion, the soldiers are assigned to one of the Army’s Special Forces units.
Candidates are placed in an (simulated) environment of political instability characterized by armed conflict, forcing soldiers to analyze and solve problems to meet the challenges of this ‘real-world’ training. Throughout the exercise, military, civilian personnel and community volunteers serve as support and role players “to provide realism to the exercise. Service members from units across Fort Liberty will also act as opposing forces and guerrilla freedom fighters.
Most of the training is in counties in the Piedmont and eastern North Carolina but it does extend into several South Carolina counties and Carter County in Tennessee.
All of the exercise’s movements are coordinated with public safety officials within the towns and counties hosting the training, to ensure there is no risk to people or property. The safety protocols include notifying local law enforcement agencies, clearly marking training areas and vehicles, and any students dressed in civilian clothes, will wear “distinctive orange or brown armbands.” Residents may hear blank gunfire and see occasional flares.
Robin Sage is held four times a year and involves veterans, volunteers and law enforcement from the communities where the training is held.
Photo courtesy John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School.
