Soldiers with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) will soon begin a large-scale training exercise at Fort Campbell as part of Operation Lethal Eagle 26.1, an installation-wide drill aimed at strengthening air assault and combat readiness.
The 21-day exercise is scheduled to run from Jan. 18 through Feb. 7 and will involve more than 7,000 soldiers, along with extensive aviation and ground operations across training areas on and around the post. Army officials say the exercise is designed to test the division’s ability to conduct large-scale air assault missions while incorporating new and emerging military technologies.
As part of the training, the division will operate approximately 22 rotary-wing aircraft, supported by two Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 774. Leaders say the exercise will also evaluate more than 30 developing technology systems, reflecting the Army’s ongoing effort to modernize equipment and tactics for future conflicts.
Operation Lethal Eagle is a recurring training event for the 101st Airborne, known as the Army’s only air assault division. The exercise challenges units with complex scenarios that emphasize aviation integration, rapid movement of troops and equipment, and sustained operations in demanding environments.
Fort Campbell officials are advising residents in nearby communities to expect increased military activity, including aircraft noise and troop movements, throughout the duration of the exercise.
The Training Area will be closed to all civilian traffic from January 18th through January 30th.
