Rocket tests at JBLM this week will rattle windows, nerves

The Army plans to practice firing its High Mobility Artillery Rocket System this week at Joint Base Lewis-McChord despite concern from neighbors about the impact of the noise.

Much of the feedback solicited by the Army from neighbors around the base was negative. Many said noise from the unarmed rockets would be disruptive to children, animals and people with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Soldiers would normally travel to the Yakima Training Center to do the tests, but the Army says doing them locally will save money.

Twenty-seven practice rockets will be fired over three days, Tuesday - Thursday, during specific times of day.

During the test firing the Army will measure the noise to determine if it’s feasible to do this type of training on the base.

JBLM had planned to test-fire the rockets in March. The tests were delayed when it was determined that more trees needed to be removed to test the rockets safely.

Three reduced-range practice rockets will be fired, one at a time, at the following times (subject to change):

• Tuesday, Sept. 27: 9 a.m., 12 p.m. , 2 p.m., 5 p.m.
• Wednesday, Sept. 28: 9 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m., 8 p.m.
• Thursday, Sept. 29: 9 a.m.