Norwegian Home Guard builds on inter-agency partnership during exercise

CAMP RIPLEY-Soldiers of the Norwegian Home Guard will join personnel of the Minnesota National Guard and law enforcement community for an inter-agency, joint training exercise Sunday at Camp Ripley.

The 43rd U.S./Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange is in its final week at Camp Ripley and the training thus far has been designed to integrate Minnesota National Guard and Norwegian Home Guard Soldiers together as one fighting force. From here the units will learn and react with the assistance of law enforcement agencies from across the state.

"We are very excited about the opportunity to partner with the Norwegian Home Guard and law enforcement departments as we share ideas in how we can best provide support to civil authorities in times of need," said Maj. Joseph Sanganoo, operations officer at Camp Ripley, in a news release. "Responding to domestic operations events requires great coordination and synchronization of efforts to prevent further loss of life and damage to property."

The exercises will take place in three phases, each highlighting a different aspect of Domestic Operation doctrine. Events ranging from Crisis Negotiation, Active Shooter and Hostage Rescue will be offered by the law enforcement officers to broaden the inter-agency cooperation between law enforcement and the military.

"We are helping the Norwegians establish a framework for strengthening the relationship between their police force and their Home Guard in the case of severe emergencies," said Col. Scott St. Sauver, Camp Ripley garrison commander.

The training for this exercise began Friday with the arrival of several law enforcement agencies from across the state. Tactical response teams from the St. Cloud Police Department, East Metro and Washington County Sheriff's Office have joined officers from Morrison and Crow Wing Counties as well as several other departments to provide training aids and personnel for the three day event.

"Many of our officers are donating time for this," said Morrison County Sheriff Shawn Larsen. "It's very important to them and they are thrilled to be a part of this program again this year."