Utah governor: 'Jade Helm 15' training is standard exercise

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah governor's office says a military training exercise in Utah and other states this summer that's aroused some suspicions is a standard exercise that's important for U.S. military training.

Marty Carpenter, a spokesman for Republican Gov. Gary Herbert, said Wednesday the governor's office has been assured there will be minimal inconvenience to local communities because of the "Jade Helm 15" operation.

Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has asked his state guard to monitor the exercise amid suspicions from some that the war simulation is really a hostile military takeover.

A map of the operation labeled Texas, Utah and California as "hostile."

Military officials say the areas were chosen because of similarities to overseas combat areas.

Carpenter says the Utah governor's office has received 20 to 25 calls and emails from residents concerned about the training.

In Other News

VA to resume new electronic health record rollout in mid-2026

The project was scheduled to take 10 years and cost $16 billion. Nearly eight years later, only six of VA’s 170-plus medical sites are using the software.

Suicides among veterans remain unchanged despite federal focus

The figures are the latest available from federal census data and suggest limited progress on the issue of suicide prevention by Veterans Affairs leaders.

Looming government shutdown could hurt military families, veterans

Plans to avert a partial government shutdown starting this weekend appeared scuttled after President-elect Donald Trump opposed the bipartisan deal.

Live in the Tricare West Region? Do this before Dec. 31.

Beneficiaries in the West Region who don't provide recurring payment information could risk losing Tricare coverage.

Senate finalizes plans for a massive junior enlisted pay boost in 2025

Troops ranked E-4 and below would see a 14.5% raise and all other troops a 4.5% raise under legislation headed to the White House.

Load More