FORT BENNING, Ga. (AP) -- Officials say more soldiers are using
training ranges at Fort Benning, partly due to the return of service members who were overseas in recent months.

Skip Caldwell, a civilian range specialist and deputy range
management officer at Fort Benning, says the firing of tanks and
other weapons has increased at least 50 percent this year over the
same period in 2010.

The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer reports that increased firing on the ranges can be partially linked to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division and Combat Support Hospital at Fort Benning. Both units were deployed this time last year, reducing the training load at the ranges.

Since June, training activity also has been boosted with the
U.S. Armor School's move from Fort Knox, Ky., to Fort Benning.