Over the next several days, the late night and early morning hours could feature the rumble of low-flying aircraft and the peal of gunfire as U.S. Army Rangers use Robins Air Force Base and the surrounding area for training.

The 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment based at Fort Benning is spearheading the exercise along with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment from Fort Campbell, Ky., and Air Force Special Operations Command from Hurlburt Field, Fla. Activity began Oct. 17 and will continue through Oct. 29.

Tracy Bailey, 75th Ranger Regiment spokesperson, asked that Middle Georgians not be alarmed.

“It’s just U.S. Army Rangers training to fight in the global war on terror,” she said. “The scenario is based on lessons learned from previous deployments and what we’re seeing in Afghanistan right now.”

The Robins flightline and possibly other training areas on the base are being used in addition to air space in surrounding communities. Fort Benning is also a training site for the multi-unit exercise.

The low-flying air traffic will include both helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. Bailey said the drills are necessary to maintain the Army’s high level of readiness.

She said units will do everything they can to reduce the amount of noise and impact on the local area.

“We may cause some inconvenience with the training late at night,” Bailey noted, “and we truly appreciate the support Robins and the surrounding community are giving us.