According to San Antonio city officials, neither local police nor the U.S. Army reported incidents related the first of five nights of nighttime training that soldiers are conducting in downtown and on the near East Side.

A city news release said the Army began training for air and ground mobility operations and close-quarter combat training in and around the Alamodome to enhance soldiers’ skills by operating in a realistic environment.

Army officials said training will resume Tuesday, Aug. 9, between 6 p.m.-3 a.m. and will continue on evenings this week through Aug. 12.

“This training will not have direct contact with the community; however, residents may continue to see or hear low-flying helicopters, simulated gunfire and controlled explosions throughout the evenings this week from about 6 p.m.-3 a.m.,” the release said.

City officials said its 311 and 911 call centers did not receive any calls or emails about the first evening of training. Local officials said the San Antonio Police Department provided security at and around the Alamodome area.






The U.S. Army Public Affairs Office relayed the following message to the city, according to the city’s news release: “The U.S. Army training event last night in the Alamodome offered excellent opportunities for air- and ground-mobility coordination; close-quarter battle training; and working in unfamiliar environments. This real-world training is a critical portion of maintaining readiness.”

The Army thanked the police department for its support and assistance.

While media and social media reports referenced some residents upset about what they say was a lack of advance notice about the military exercises, local officials said the city has partnered with the Army to accommodate off-base training many times over the years.

“The military is an integral part of the city’s local economy and provides resources and support through major events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Winter Storm Uri,” the city release said.




Local officials also said police have visited door-to-door in affected neighborhoods to notify residents and businesses about the training exercises. The SAPD also sent text messages informing the community about the upcoming training. Residents can sign-up for SAPD community notifications by texting “SAPD” to 39987.