The US military is turning this island paradise into a war simulator

Pågan Island looks like an idyllic tropical paradise.

But this natural wonder could soon be turned into a war zone simulation.

Preventing its 300 residents from returning to their ancestral home more than three decades after a volcanic eruption forced them to leave.

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The U.S. Department of Defense has plans for 5,000 marines to train on Pågan, as part of the Obama administration's move towards the Asia-Pacific.

The island is located just 1,600 miles off the coasts of the Philippines

Not only will the military exercises make human settlement impossible, but it could destroy the ancient cultural monuments and endangered wildlife that remain on Pågan.

The move is part of a plan to reduce and relocate U.S. military presence in Okinawa, Japan.

Dozens of families and former residents of Pågan teamed with environmental activists to launch a lawsuit against the Pentagon's plans.

Few Americans are aware of the disruption U.S. military drills involving artillery and bombs have had on the 3,000 residents Pågan Island and nearby Tinian Island.

Activists hope to preserve their home and culture that has existed for 1,300 years.

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