The American Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange began in 1974<br />
and is the longest-running military exchange partnership between any two<br />
nations. The yearly exchange promotes good will and sharpens military<br />
readiness between the nations as well as provides opportunities for cultural<br />
understanding among its participants. While in Norway, the Minnesota<br />
National Guard Soldiers and Airmen conduct training with the Norwegian Home<br />
Guard in field training exercises. The Norwegian Home Guard Soldiers stay at<br />
Camp Ripley, Minnesota National Guard's premier training center.
Camp Ripley Training Center in Little Falls, Minnesota hosted the 51st annual Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange (NOREX), a cultural and joint-training event between the Minnesota National Guard and the Norwegian Home Guard Rapid Reaction Force (RRF) and the Home Defense Youth, on February 1st through the 12th.