Soldier Killed During Training Exercise

A 101st Airborne Division soldier died early Wednesday after being hit by small arms fire during a nighttime live-fire exercise at Fort Campbell, the Army said.

The soldier was taken to Blanchfield Army Community Hospital where he died of his wounds at around 4 a.m. CDT, a statement from Fort Campbell said.

The soldier's name wasn't released because his family has not yet been notified. The soldier was assigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team at the sprawling Army post on the Kentucky-Tennessee border.

Nighttime drills with live ammunition are performed to give soldiers better familiarity with their weapons in dark conditions, said Kelly Tyler, a spokeswoman at the Army post.

"They're called to go on patrols at all hours, so they need to be familiar with their equipment and operating in low-light situations," Tyler said.

Tyler said soldiers performing the drills are required to wear Kevlar vests and helmets. Tyler said she didn't know what kinds of weapons injured the soldier.

The incident is under investigation by military officials.

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