Greg Abbott

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has asked the Texas Guard to monitor federal military exercises this summer called Jade Helm 15.

(Rodolfo Gonzalez, Associated Press file photo)

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered the Texas Guard to monitor planned U.S. military exercises in the state this summer, an apparent response to Internet rumors that the exercises are actually a prelude to a military takeover.

The new exercises are called Jade Helm 15 and include elite teams, such as the SEALs and Green Berets, from four military branches, reports the Dallas Morning News. They will take place from July 15 to Sept. 15 in seven states.

I've ordered the Texas State Guard to monitor Jade Helm 15 to safeguard Texans' constitutional rights, private property & civil liberties — Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) April 28, 2015

The Associated Press reports that Internet rumors, circulated by conservative websites and social media, intensified after a map was shown labeling Texas, Utah and parts of California as "hostile" for purposes of the training exercise.

The Army says the terrain and topography in the areas selected are ideal to replicate foreign combat zones, the AP reports. About 1,200 special operations personnel will be involved and move covertly among the public, according to the Morning News.

Abbott's request comes a day after more than 200 people packed a meeting in rural Bastrop County, the AP reports. Those attending questioned a U.S. Army commander about whether the government was planning to confiscate guns or implement martial law.

Command spokesman Lt. Col. Mark Lastoria answered questions for two hours, according to the Austin American-Statesman, but did little to sway those convinced that something is up.

"It's the same thing that happened in Nazi Germany: You get the people used to the troops on the street, the appearance of uniformed troops and the militarization of the police," Bob Wells, a Bastrop resident, told the American-Statesman after the meeting. "They're gathering intelligence. That's what they're doing. And they're moving logistics in place for martial law. That's my feeling. Now, I could be wrong. I hope I am wrong. I hope I'm a 'conspiracy theorist.'"

Lastoria said the exercises are a military operation and no politics are involved.

"You may have issues with the administration. So be it. But this institution right here has been with you for over 200 years," Lastoria said. "I've worn this uniform across five different administrations for 27 years."

Bastrop County Judge Paul Pape tells the AP that "conspiracy theorists" and "fear mongers" have been in a frenzy, but he believes Abbott's letter will help calm the situation.

"It's a sad when people's greatest fear is their own government," Pape said. "Think about the ramification of that. If Americans go to sleep at night worrying whether their own government is going to sell them out before morning, it'd be hard to sleep."