SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii – The 25th Infantry Division will conduct its sixth annual ‘Exercise Lightning Forge’ training event July 7 to July 21 across various training areas on Oahu.
This year’s event will be the first large-scale training event to be conducted by the division following its gradual return to training in early May.
“During this time of COVID-19, and as our country continues a gradual return to normal, the need for the Army to maintain a mission-ready force is more important than ever,” said Maj. Gen. James Jarrard, the 25th Infantry Division’s commanding general. “Just as we approached the COVID-19 crisis, our approach to Exercise Lightning Forge will be transparent, thoughtful, and deliberate, with the health safety of our soldiers, families, and community our top priority.”
The focus of the training will center on the division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team, augmented by support elements from across the division with approximately 5,500 soldiers participating. Joining them will be an infantry company of approximately 150 soldiers from the Royal Thai Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.
The exercise will consist of activity at Schofield Barracks proper, Schofield Barracks East Range, Dillingham Army Airfield, the Kahuku Training Area, and Basilan Drop Zone.
Intermittent military vehicle convoys will travel using local roads between these training areas, primarily the H-2 freeway, Kunia Road, Kamehameha Highway, and Kaukonahua Road/Farrington Highway. Exact times and routes will vary, but convoys will generally travel between 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. in order to minimize impacts on local traffic.
Additionally, residents in the vicinity of Dillingham Army Airfield should be aware that it will be utilized to conduct two large-scale helicopter operations on July 8 and 9 between 6 p.m. and midnight both days.
Two additional large-scale helicopter operations will be conducted utilizing the Basilan Drop Zone, which is in the area of the Helemano Plantation, July 17 and 18 during periods of darkness.
Exercise Lightning Forge is an annual, large-scale training event that prepares a brigade combat team for a culminating training rotation at the U.S. Army’s Joint Readiness Training Center in Fort Polk, Louisiana.
The 25th Infantry Division appreciates the community’s understanding and support on this matter. While sometimes loud, training noise represents that the Army is ensuring America’s soldiers stand ready to answer any call.
The 25th Infantry Division, ‘Tropic Lightning’, is America’s Pacific Division. Tropic Lightning provides the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command a uniquely tailorable force with the ability to rapidly respond to contingencies across the Pacific. Tropic Lightning Soldiers, a reliable, credible, and disciplined force, continuously works with partners and allies to prepare for shared challenges.