The U.S. military is scheduled to launch the largest multi-state exercise of its kind, known as “Operation Jade Helm 15”, on July 15. According to the U.S. Special Operation Command, Jade Helm 15 is an 8-week training program involving all branches of the military, which will prepare them for unconventional warfare.
Bastrop, a small Texas town located 30 miles southeast of Austin, is one of the places the exercise will take place.
“I do not know what is going on, as most of us don’t, but it does scare me a lot,” Bastrop resident Tuyler Wing said. “If our government is doing all this, then how can I trust that they are going to have soldiers going out in our streets to get to know us and protect us?”
Residents voiced their concerns about the exercise taking place in Bastrop during a community meeting in April. Lt. Colonel Mark Lastoria with the U.S. Special Operation Command answered residents’ questions, and tried to silence the rumors and conspiracy theories that were circulating the town.
“We are going to be doing this, conducting the training exercise safely and courteously,” Lt. Colonel Lastoria said in April. “We are not going to interfere with their privacy or their rights with this.”
The meeting cleared up questions and concerns from some neighbors, like Sam Jones who said he sees “no reason to be afraid of Jade Helm.” However, a few neighbors remained skeptical.
“Everybody needs to calm down. I don’t think there is any danger in this at all,” Mayor of Bastrop Ken Kesselus said. “I think its business as usual next week or the two weeks after that, or however long they are here. I think we are going to keep on moving just like we always do. You know, we are a really resilient community and I don’t think this is going to bother us at all.”
The operation will take place in five southwestern states, including Texas, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Arizona. The exercise will last through September 15.
