Military Training Events Open to the Public in the US

It’s funny how often people think that military life is a world closed off to outsiders. You know, secretive bases, classified missions, men and women in uniform doing things no civilian could witness.

But if you’ve ever spent time near a base — or even just paid attention to what’s happening in your city — you’ll realize there are all kinds of ways for the public to see what the military does. And I’m not talking about watching YouTube videos or catching a glimpse of a parade.

I mean real training events, where you can walk onto a base, shake hands with a soldier or pilot, and see everything from tanks to fighter jets up close.

If you’ve ever thought, “I’d love to see a live military demo, but I have no idea where to start,” this post is for you.

Where and When

Here’s a table summarizing some of the biggest military training events open to the public across the country.

Fleet Week: The Party by the Waterfront

If you’ve ever been near the water during Fleet Week in cities like New York, San Francisco, or Los Angeles, you know it’s a spectacle. Navy and Coast Guard ships pull right up to the docks, and you can step aboard and check out everything from the captain’s quarters to the flight deck.

You’ll see sailors giving tours, marines in full dress uniforms, and flight demonstrations where jets skim the water. In New York, Fleet Week hits around Memorial Day, and the ships are docked along the Hudson. San Francisco’s version usually lands in October, with the Blue Angels soaring over the bay.

Red Flag-Alaska: Experiencing Military Training in the Last Frontier

Imagine standing on the vast tundra of Alaska, the crisp air filled with the thunderous roar of fighter jets slicing through the sky. This isn’t a scene from a movie—it’s Red Flag-Alaska, a premier military training exercise that brings together U.S. and allied forces for realistic combat simulations.

Red Flag-Alaska is hosted multiple times a year at Eielson Air Force Base and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER). These exercises are designed to provide aircrews with their first ten combat sorties, simulating the complexities and challenges of actual combat missions.

The training encompasses a range of operations, including offensive counter-air, interdiction, close air support, and large force employment training in a simulated combat environment.

Public Engagement Opportunities

While the core of Red Flag-Alaska is focused on intensive military training, there are moments when the public can engage and witness the operations:

• Media Days: JBER occasionally hosts media days during Red Flag-Alaska exercises. For instance, during Red Flag-Alaska 23-3, a media day was held on August 18, 2023, allowing journalists and, by extension, the public to gain insights into the exercise’s operations.
• Community Outreach: The bases often engage in community outreach programs, providing locals with information about the exercises and their significance. This fosters a sense of inclusion and understanding between the military and the surrounding communities.

Supporting these extensive training exercises requires robust infrastructure and reliable equipment. Companies like Alaska Defense play a crucial role in this ecosystem.

They specialize in providing military shelter systems and turnkey base camps, ensuring troops have the necessary facilities to operate effectively in Alaska’s challenging environments.

Thunderbirds & Blue Angels Air Shows: Engines That’ll Shake Your Bones

I still remember the first time I went to a Blue Angels show in Pensacola — the roar of those jets rattled my chest. If you’ve never been to an air show, it’s more than just planes doing loops in the sky.

It’s an all-day affair, with static displays where you can touch an F-16 or climb into a cockpit, meet the pilots, and get autographs.

Some of the best places to catch these shows:

• NAS Pensacola (FL): November’s Homecoming Show is legendary.
• MCAS Miramar (CA): The Air Show in September draws huge crowds.
• Selfridge Air Base (MI): Summer dates bring the Thunderbirds in.

Here’s a quick snapshot of major air shows:

Army and Marine Corps Training Demos: Where the Ground Rumbles

Want to see tanks roll, artillery fire, and soldiers in full battle gear? Check out places like Fort Liberty, NC (formerly Fort Bragg), where the annual open house brings civilians into the heart of airborne and artillery training.

They set up observation points where you can watch live jumps from C-130s, tanks firing live rounds, and even K-9 units showing off their skills.

Then there’s Twentynine Palms, CA, where the Marine Corps runs its MAGTF Demo every spring. It’s an all-out show with tanks, helicopters, infantry, and pyrotechnics that make you feel like you’re on a movie set.

Seabee Days: The Navy’s Builders Throw a Party

Out in Port Hueneme, California, the Navy’s Seabees (that’s the construction battalion) open their doors during Seabee Days. You’ll see bulldozers, obstacle courses, and heavy construction gear, plus hands-on stations where kids and adults can try operating small equipment or check out military construction techniques.

It’s a family-friendly event with a lot of interactivity — and a chance to meet the men and women who build bases, roads, and infrastructure for the military worldwide.

ROTC and Guard Field Training: Local Flavor

@defenderjo Doing ROTC before joining the military #rotc #JROTC #AFROTC #armyrotc #navyrotc #marinerotc #fyp #defenderjo #troops #military #army #navy #marines #coastguard #Airforce #Miltok #foryoupage #fypシ #fypシ゚viral #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp ♬ original sound – Defender Jo

If you’re not near a big base, check out your local ROTC program or National Guard unit. Many hold open houses during major training weekends, where you can see leadership exercises, small-unit tactics, and the next generation of military officers getting hands-on with equipment.

For example, Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets often runs open weekends with field training exercises, and Guard units in places like Pennsylvania’s Fort Indiantown Gap will sometimes open up ranges for live-fire viewing.

How to Get In — No Insider Required

Here’s the real-world prep list you’ll need:

• Check the Event Website or Call Ahead: Dates change. Registration might be needed. Public Affairs Offices are your friend.
• Bring a Government-Issued ID: You won’t get past the gate without it.
• Leave Coolers and Large Bags at Home: Security is tight. Stick to a backpack.
• Dress for the Elements: Sunscreen, a hat, and comfy shoes are essential.
• Pack Snacks and Water: Some events have vendors, but not all.

Final Words

I’ve been to Fleet Weeks, air shows, and even a couple of National Guard training days.

What struck me most was the openness — the way service members take the time to explain what they do, the technology they use, and the pride they feel. It’s not a closed-off world. It invites you in if you know where to look.

So, it’s worth it whether you’re watching a jet split the sky over the San Francisco Bay or standing at the edge of a field while tanks roll through mud. It’s real. It’s loud. It’s unforgettable.