FORT POLK, La. — The 1st Brigade Combat Team, “Devils in Baggy Pants”, 82nd Airborne Infantry Division from Fort Bragg, N. C., will be at the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk for rotation 12-03.5.

Soldiers and personnel have begun arriving and depart around Jan. 31.

The 82nd Airborne Infantry Division can trace its origins back to central Louisiana, where on March 25, 1942, it was reactivated under the command of Maj. Gen. Omar N. Bradley.

The JRTC will challenge the “Devils in Baggy Pants” through a number of realistic, relevant and rigorous training scenarios, designed with a balance of lethal and non-lethal effects.

Because of the increase in the number of Soldiers and equipment in Fort Polk training areas, residents should be aware of increased convoy traffic between Fort Polk and Peason Ridge training areas.

The intersections of La. Hwy 469 and La. Hwy 28, La. Hwy 469 and La. Hwy 8 and La. Hwy 117 and Tank Trail Road will be high traffic areas through Jan. 20 as units convoy from Fort Polk to Peason Ridge for training.

The rotation also incorporates aircraft training, which may bring low-flying aircraft over the DeRidder, Oakdale, Alexandria and Leesville areas.

Residents are urged to exercise caution when approaching or following convoys and are reminded not to attempt to pass them, especially at night.

To address complaints associated with this training please call the Public Affairs Line by dialing 531-1431.

Callers are encouraged to leave their name and phone number so Fort Polk can address concerns and respond to individual complaints.

Media wishing to cover this operation should call Maj. Gabriel Ramirez at 531-5352 or (337) 378-3386.