Norwegian soldiers train with MN National Guard at Camp Ripley

The Minnesota National Guard hosted local law enforcement agencies and soldiers from the Norwegian Home Guard at Camp Ripley for training this weekend.

This is a two-day training exercise for the soldiers who will receive instruction from the St. Cloud Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office in tactics such as active shooter response, armored vehicle rescue and hostage rescue.

Brig. Gen. Lowell Kruse, Camp Ripley’s senior commander, said the exchange program “is something unique and incredibly valuable.”

The Norwegian Exchange event is back after a two-year pause due to COVID-19, and the National Guard looks forward to the 50th anniversary next year.