City informing residents and businesses of drill for safety and awareness purposes

PHILADELPHIA – The Department of Defense (DOD) will conduct training and exercise drills in parts of Philadelphia between August 31 and September 6, 2025. This type of DOD training is conducted numerous times a year in cities throughout the United States. Simulated response at real-world locations is necessary and critical to test an agency’s plans, communications, and operations.

This training exercise is not in response to any specific event and exclusively involves interaction between DOD personnel and first-responders, with the overriding goals of preparedness and saving lives in emergency situations when they occur.  Training exercises of this nature are crucial in preparing Philadelphia to host the world’s 2026 celebrations on its global stage in a safe and appropriate manner.

Residents near exercise locations may experience sights and sounds related to an emergency response.

Public awareness, safety, and lessening impact in the community were considered during planning, so plans and precautions are in place to inform and protect residents near training sites.

Philadelphia Police will be on-site for the duration of training and exercise.

For safety reasons, residents in the immediate area of training are being asked to follow the direction of authorities on-scene. To maintain public safety, there will be no public or media viewing opportunities available during the exercise.