USAFA alerts area to upcoming training exercise, increased aircraft activity and noise

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- The U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) is alerting community members to increased aircraft activity, heightened noise, and vehicle traffic during its annual Fall Validation Exercise from Sept. 18-19.

According to the Academy, the exercise tests cadets' essential warfighter training; those near the USAFA may notice the following:

• Increased activity from aircraft, including fixed-wing aircraft and small unmanned aircraft systems operating within designated, restricted airspace.
• Generator noise, smoke, and other field exercise sounds on the Academy.
• Increased vehicle traffic or road closures associated with exercise logistics.

Around 4,000 cadets will participate in the exercise, which is meant to establish a baseline for the cadets' capabilities and prepare them for joint operational environments they might encounter as Air Force and Space Force officers.

For more information about USAFA training, click here.

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