The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), in coordination with the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC), will conduct high-altitude balloon operations April 8–11, 2026 as part of a scheduled training exercise.

 

Residents in Fort Polk and surrounding areas may notice a large balloon (similar to a weather balloon) during daylight hours.

 

Operates at high altitude

No risk to commercial or private aviation

Monitored by military & civilian aviation authorities

 

At the end of the mission, the equipment will be safely recovered in designated landing zones.