CAMP RIPLEY - Soldiers of the Norwegian Home Guard conducted inter-agency training with state and local law enforcement Feb. 12-23 at Camp Ripley.
"The training conducted by the Norwegian Rapid Reaction Force, or RRF, is based on the National Guard's focus of inter-agency cooperation in time of need," said Lt. Col. Bryce Erickson of the Minnesota National Guard.
This training was organized as part of the American-Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange; which is in its 42nd consecutive year between the Minnesota National Guard and the Norwegian Home Guard.
As part of the exchange program, soldiers and young Norwegian conscripts swap places with over 100 Minnesota National Guard service members to conduct training and learn something of each host nation's culture.
"The Norwegian and Minnesotan cultures are very familiar to one another," said Col. Scott St. Sauver, Camp Ripley Garrison Commander. "Being able to share those similarities and differences makes this program a wonderful experience for everyone involved."
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The training for the RRF Soldiers was facilitated by members of the Hennepin, Stearns and Morrison County sheriffs' offices. Additional participation for the exchange's culminating event was made by the St. Cloud SWAT and Sherburne County Response Team.
"They are wonderful people to work with and learn from," said 1Lt. Erik Nagel of the Norwegian RRF.
Initial training began on Feb. 20 as Hennepin County Officers demonstrated techniques in response and force protection. "These guys go through these scenarios all the time, in real life and in training; they are subject matter experts," added Nagel.
For the next three days various agencies conducted live demonstrations involving active shooter, hostage negotiations and multi-agency operations in preparation for the final exercise which kicked off in temperatures 12 degrees below zero on the morning of Feb. 23.
"The culminating event was a great success despite the sub-zero temperatures. The Norwegian Soldiers were very grateful to work with the professionals from our local law enforcement agencies," said Maj. John Donovan, a Camp Ripley spokesperson.
