This is just a test: Local soldiers to conduct cold-weather training this weekend

Local Canadian Army Reserve soldiers from 49^th (Sault Ste Marie) Field Regiment will conduct cold-weather operations and winter warfare training in the Searchmont and Sault Ste. Marie areas this Saturday and Sunday.

All training will take place on Department of National Defence or private property, a news release said. There will be no live ammunition of any kind present.

The public may see army members in uniform with their service weapons and military vehicles on local roads and highways. An increased military presence will be noticeable as the unit transports personnel, equipment and supplies between the armoury on Garrison Way and the Searchmont training location.

Members of the public may see military vehicles on major roadways in and north of the city, with staging in the Whitman Dam area. This activity is not expected to interfere with local traffic or recreation in the area.

This training is practice for later activities at bases and ranges and allows the unit and personnel to confirm their skills locally before firing live ammunition at approved training facilities and supports year-round preparedness of local Army Reserve members to support missions around the world.

All measures are being taken to ensure minimum inconvenience in these areas during the exercise dates. Members of the public are asked to take extra caution when approaching military vehicles.