War training on I-5 this week

If you see an unusual amount of military convoy activity on I-5 around Fort Lewis this week, it's an exercise.

Stryker Brigade convoys will be moving heavily up and down Interstate 5 and state Route 507 starting today as Fort Lewis is used to simulate the bustle of Baghdad for a training exercise.

All this week, the communities around Fort Lewis also will experience more noise from helicopters and airplanes.

Army officials said the convoy movements will continue through Wednesday. On Thursday and Friday, soldiers will conduct search operations and raids, set up traffic control points, and practice creating forward operating bases.

Most of us have largely been insulated from the fact that we are in a war in Iraq. Maybe a bunch of military vehicles driving around will get some folks attention.

I certainly can't begrudge our military personnel extra training. Unfortunately they are likely to need it.