Watch Picatinny Arsenal Test Howitzer for Race 'Starting Pistol'

They said it would be loud.

They were right.

The folks at Picatinny Arsenal in Rockaway sent out a message earlier this week warning locals about a loud noise that would be coming from the location as it tested out an M119 Howitzer Friday morning.

In the video above, which Picatinny posted to its Facebook page Friday morning, one can hear just how loud that boom really is. One soldier in the background wisely kept fingers in his ears during the blast. 

Friday morning's blast was a test as the weaponry will be used as a starting pistol during Saturday's 5K race to honor the United States Army's birthday.