Robin Sage, the culminating field exercise for Soldiers in the Special Forces Qualification Course, runs from Oct. 16 to 29, 2026, CBS 17 reports, citing a U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School news release. The training area spans much of central North Carolina, along with Chesterfield, Dillon, Marlboro and York counties in South Carolina.
Robin Sage is the final test for future Green Berets. Candidates operate in the fictional nation of “Pineland,” where they work with local residents and face opposing forces played by current Special Forces members and other military participants. According to the release, candidates are placed in an environment of political instability and armed conflict, so they have to analyze and solve problems as they would in the real world.
Civilian volunteers across the state take part as role-players. The release describes their participation as “crucial to the success of this training.”
Residents in the training areas “may hear blank gunfire and see occasional flares,” the release said. Officials said law enforcement in those areas is notified before the exercise begins and that controls are in place so there is no risk to people or property. Residents with concerns should contact local law enforcement.
Special Operations Support Inc. thanks the candidates, cadre and community volunteers who keep this long-standing tradition going in our state.
Photo: 2025 file photo, U.S. Army photo by K. Kassens, U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School (DVIDS 9017434).
Source: CBS 17
