The Hengsen-Opherdicke training area was put into operation in 1935 as a military training area In the spring of 1966 anti-aircraft missiles from anti-aircraft missile battalion 21 of the Bundeswehr were stationed in Opherdicke. Nuclear warheads were also available for this weapon system. They were guarded by the 66th US Army Artillery Detachment (66th USAAD). The deployment did not receive undivided applause from the Holzwicked population. In 1987 the Nike Hercules weapon system was replaced by the Patriot mobile anti-aircraft missile system. The location was closed in 2004. Today it is a local recreation area with many hiking trails and also a glider field.