Feb 23, 2026 (LITTLE FALLS, Minnesota) – Now well into its fifth decade, the U.S. – Norway Reciprocal Troop Exchange, continues to be a steady, practical example of positive and productive relations between military professionals and nations.
Often referred to as the Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange or NOREX, the annual partnership event began in 1973 and has grown into the longest continuously running military troop exchange between two nations.
“The exchange over the years, has always been an educational tool as well as a familiarization for NATO allies and as an eye-opener for two similar, but different cultures,” said Maj. Jonathan Propst, Training Site Unit Commander for the Camp Ripley Training Center.
At its core, NOREX is simply explained as roughly 100 Minnesota National Guard members and 100 Norwegian Home Guard (Heimevernet) members swap locations to train together with each other’s militaries while building familiarity with tactics, equipment, procedures, and just as important, social connection and trust. 2026 marked its 53rd year, underscoring how the enduring relationship is a benefit to a profession where conditions and mission requirements do not always allow a learning curve.
“It is better to know someone before you have to go work with them,” said Lt. Col. Steven Hall, Deputy Garrison Commander for the Camp Ripley Training Center. “These exchanges allow us to understand our teammates and allies, as well as give them a better understanding of us and how we operate.”
Alliances aren’t only tested politically or through policy, they’re tested in the field, in bad weather conditions, under time pressures, and alongside partners who may do things differently tactically. By repeatedly pairing units and leaders year after year, the exchange strengthens interoperability and makes “combined operations” feel more routine rather than theoretical. The Minnesota Guard’s relationship with Norway also connects to broader NATO cooperation through the Guard’s international partnerships through Pece Program, helping align training habits and expectations across the alliance.
“Most of the exchange is held at the Camp Ripley Training Center. It is here that we apply cultural events along with interactive celebrations socially and integration of multi-force, complex hybrid training scenarios,” said 1st Sgt. Jenny George, Training Site Unit First Sergeant for the Camp Ripley Training Center.
When Norwegian Home Guard troops come to Camp Ripley, the emphasis often blends fundamental soldier skills with scenarios that reflect U.S. training infrastructure and homeland response procedures. Annually, the Minnesota National Guard highlights events such as weapons qualifications, land navigation, situational training exercises, a biathlon race, and small unit situations. These activities are paired with social engagements through structured evening meals that reflect each specific culture and through interactions in the surrounding communities. For many years that exchange has provided education and involvements to veteran Soldiers and young members alike, offering a unique experience that would normally not be available.
For several years, asymmetric threat training conducted with Minnesota Guard members and Minnesota law enforcement demonstrated a mix of training scenarios that mirrors the way U.S. forces may support civil authorities during emergency situations. The exclusive position of the National Guard managing between federal and state missions showcases the ability to utilize necessary resources for the benefit of the community while maintaining combat readiness.
“In Norway, our Soldiers and Airmen experience winter warfare and cold weather survival training taught by our counterparts from the Norwegian Home Guard. These lessons are a big part of the exchange, along with similar cultural and social events,” added Staff Sgt. Jorden Newbanks, Public Affairs NCO for the Training Site Unit on the Camp Ripley Training Center.
In Norway, the exchange becomes a deep dive into cold weather operations where the environment is an active opponent. This practice is based off the once significant need for qualified Winter Warfare School instructors within the Minnesota National Guard during the Cold War. The Norwegian Military’s skill in this challenging environment is a great benefit to everyone who participates.
Once they arrive in Norway, Minnesota troops prepared with Norwegian instructors and execute a field exercise near Haltdalen, using Norwegian tents, stoves, skis, and other equipment before moving into multi-day operations in the mountains. Training included movement on skis, skijoring, avalanche rescue, and survival skills. Many take part in memorable confidence-building events like cold water rescue training for ice emergencies and adapting plans when severe weather comes in.
Put side by side, the NOREX experience in Minnesota tends to showcase an American training model of marksmanship, navigation, and complex scenarios while Norway’s portion is a concentrated lesson in arctic mobility and sustainment. Together, they create a full-spectrum exchange: partners learn how each nation fights, survives, and leads, and NATO, as a whole, gets stronger through partnership and education.
For Soldiers and Airmen of the Minnesota National Guard, the exchange can also translate as a bonus unlike any other in the U.S. Military. Participation in an overseas exercise, state partnership event or liaison duty assignment is a well-welcomed retention opportunity but can also be a career-changing experience that many military personnel do not have available to them.
| Date Taken: |
02.15.2026 |
| Date Posted: |
04.03.2026 14:54 |
| Story ID: |
561951 |
| Location: |
MINNESOTA, US |
| Web Views: |
21 |
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0 |
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