Phoenix, January 22, 2026
The U.S. military is conducting essential training exercises in the Greater Phoenix Area, scheduled from January 21 to February 13. These drills occur mainly at night and are unrelated to immigration enforcement. The Phoenix Police Department assures residents about minimal disruptions and emphasizes that local city services will remain unaffected. Residents may hear low-flying helicopters and simulated gunfire, but the exercises aim to enhance national security readiness, utilizing the unique urban and desert environment of Phoenix.
Phoenix
Military training exercises are currently underway in the Greater Metropolitan Phoenix Area, having commenced on January 21, 2026, and scheduled to continue through February 13, 2026. These essential drills, conducted by the U.S. military, are primarily taking place during the evening and nighttime hours at specific locations owned by the City of Phoenix. Local authorities have explicitly clarified that these exercises are unrelated to immigration enforcement or any federal immigration operations.
Ongoing Military Exercises and Public Awareness
Residents in various parts of Phoenix may observe activities associated with these military training exercises over the next several weeks. The Phoenix Police Department issued an advisory to inform the public about the planned drills, emphasizing their nature as routine, necessary training. The exercises involve a limited number of military personnel and equipment. Their participation is strictly for training purposes, aiming to enhance preparedness and national security defense by assisting in responses to incidents involving national security.
During the training periods, particularly after dark, local residents might hear low-flying helicopters, simulated gunfire, and controlled explosions. Despite these potential auditory and visual observations, the exercises are not expected to cause significant disruption. The Phoenix Police Department has stated that the training will not affect city services, park or facility access, or facility operations. Furthermore, the visibility of these activities to the public is anticipated to be minimal.
Assurances Regarding Immigration Enforcement
Acknowledging existing community concerns regarding federal enforcement activity, the Phoenix Police Department has made a clear statement to prevent misconceptions. The department assured the public that the ongoing military training does not involve immigration actions, enforcement, or operations of any kind. This clarification underscores the purely training-oriented nature of the exercises, separate from any immigration-related functions.
Local Coordination and Purpose
These exercises are conducted in close coordination with appropriate local officials, including the City of Phoenix. The Phoenix City Council, earlier this month, voted to allow these training exercises to proceed. Phoenix is a recurring location for such drills due to its unique urban and desert environment, which is highly suitable for the “final phases of training” for a particular branch of the U.S. military. This environment offers realistic conditions for complex operational scenarios, crucial for military readiness.
Although Phoenix police officers will be present on-site during the exercises, their role is solely to ensure community safety. They are not participating in the military training itself. The financial responsibility for these training exercises falls upon the U.S. government.
Historical Context of Training in Phoenix
The presence of military training exercises in the Phoenix area is not a new occurrence. Similar drills have taken place in past years, demonstrating a history of the U.S. military utilizing the region for essential preparedness activities. These periodic exercises are a testament to the strategic value of Phoenix’s landscape for advanced military training.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the military training exercises in Phoenix begin?
The military training exercises in Phoenix began on January 21, 2026.
When are the military training exercises scheduled to conclude?
The exercises are scheduled to conclude on February 13, 2026.
Are these military exercises related to immigration enforcement?
No, the training is explicitly not related to immigration enforcement or any federal immigration operations.
What kind of activities might residents observe during the training?
Residents may hear low-flying helicopters, simulated gunfire, and controlled explosions, primarily during evening and night hours.
Will city services or public access be impacted?
No, the training will not impact city services, park or facility access, or facility operations. Visibility to the public is expected to be minimal.
Why is Phoenix chosen for these military training exercises?
Phoenix is chosen for its urban and desert environment, which is suitable for the final phases of training for a particular branch of the U.S. military, offering realistic operational conditions.
Are Phoenix police officers participating in the military training?
No, Phoenix police officers are not participating in the military training; they will be on-site solely to ensure community safety.
Key Features of the Phoenix Military Training
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Event Type | Essential military training exercises | Nationwide (U.S. Military) |
| Location | Greater Metropolitan Phoenix Area, at City of Phoenix-owned locations | State-level (Specific City) |
| Start Date | January 21, 2026 | State-level (Specific City) |
| End Date | February 13, 2026 | State-level (Specific City) |
| Timing | Primarily during evening and night hours | State-level (Specific City) |
| Involved Personnel | Limited number of U.S. military personnel and equipment | Nationwide (U.S. Military) |
| Purpose | Preparedness and national security defense training, utilizing urban and desert environment | Nationwide (U.S. Military) |
| Public Impact | Potential for low-flying helicopters, simulated gunfire, controlled explosions. Minimal visibility expected. No impact on city services, parks, or facilities. | State-level (Specific City) |
| Immigration Enforcement | Explicitly NOT related to immigration enforcement or operations | Nationwide (U.S. Government Stance) |
| Local Law Enforcement Role | Phoenix police officers on-site for community safety; not participating in training | State-level (Specific City) |
| Cost Responsibility | U.S. government | Nationwide (U.S. Government) |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
