LATEST ON THE 7TH SPECIAL FORCES GROUP MOVEMENT TO OUR AREA

WEAR-TV3 reports the Army 7th Special Forces movement. For a detail look at the news story, you can visit my Facebook Page, “Platinum Real Estate Associates, and watch it in detail. Also, keep in mind, they are reporting for duty. THAT DOES NOT MEAN THEY ARE MOVING INTO A HOME. First of all, WE DO NOT HAVE THE QUALITY OF HOMES IN THE NUMBERS THEY NEED NOW. Call for details.


OKALOOSA COUNTY - Moving thousands of people and hundreds of tons of equipment, while staying combat-ready. That's the challenge facing the Army's 7th Special Forces Group as it relocates to Eglin Air Force Base. Channel three's Laura Hussey tells us how the plans are coming along. Laura Hussey "We're at the 7th Special Forces Group complex off of Highway 85 near Duke Field. That's the headquarters building behind me. There are 43 buildings under construction here, many of them are ahead of schedule" The move from Fort Bragg is being handled with the planning and precision of any military operation. Soldiers start arriving in May, at the rate of 150 a week. SSG Jammie Knapp "So it's going to be a six-month phased operation. We're not going to see 1800 people showing up at Eglin's door". Equipment, like humvees, zodiac boats, guns and ammunition, will be moved by hired companies. SSG Knapp "Basically because 7th Group has to move their families at the same time they're moving the unit's equipment". LTC Marty Schmidt "Lots of concern for family members. School districts, what are the best schools to go to, child care services, where do I take my dog to the veterinarian?" The 7th is working closely with Eglin Air Force Base to inform families about their new home. They're also working on the best ways to share resources. LTC Schmidt "There's the Air Force terminology, and the Army terminology, and right now we're translators between the two, to figure out what systems are in place". Laura Hussey "Right now they're finishing up on the Parachute Readiness Facility. Look at that tower....parachutes will be hung to dry inside, more than a hundred at a time. They're also finishing work on a unmanned aerial vehicle facility, and a dog kennel. The 7th Special Forces Group should be fully moved in by mid-September. This week, leaders from 7th Group and Eglin are holding a conference on the transition.7th Special Forces Relocating Weekly