CAMP RIPLEY — Norwegian troops are at Camp Ripley for the next two weeks as part of the annual troop exchange.
The 37th Annual Troop Reciprocal Exchange between the Minnesota National Guard and Norwegian Home Guard is taking place through Feb. 24. The program began in 1974 and is the longest-running military exchange partnership between any two nations.
The exchange is meant to promote goodwill, sharpen military readiness and provide cultural understanding and military diversity.
About 100 Soldiers and Airmen from the Minnesota National Guard traded places with 100 members of Norway’s Home Guard. Guard Soldiers and Airmen will conduct training exercises at Camp Vaernes and the Haltdalen Training Center in Norway.
Norwegian soldiers do similar training at Camp Ripley.
Training includes: cultural awareness, host nation familiarization in military tactics, techniques and procedures, rifle marksmanship, land navigation, winter survival, fire power demonstrations and three-day, two-night collective training exercise.
By Kari Petrie • kpetrie@stcloudtimes.com • February 12, 2010
