The Minnesota–Norway National Guard Partnership is one of 25 European partnerships that make up the U.S. European Command State Partnership Program and one of 88 worldwide partnerships that make-up the National Guard's State Partnership Program.The Minnesota National Guard has partnered with the Norwegian Home Guard since 1974, based on a handshake between two WWII veterans- Norwegian Maj. Gen. Herluf Nygaard and U.S. Maj. Gen. Francis S. Greenlief. The partnership was recognized by the SPP on 21 February 2023.
Minnesota and Norway refer to their partnership as the Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange (NOREX). Each year, the Norwegian Home Guard sends a contingent to train with the Minnesota National Guard, often at Camp Ripley. They also attend cultural events in Minnesota to strengthen relationships between the United States and Norway. In return, the Minnesota National Guard sends a group of soldiers and airmen to train in Norway.
Additional NOREX photos.
References
External Links Department of Defense News on the Minnesota-Croatia Partnership. Minnesota NG signs State Partnership Program agreement with Norway National Guard NOREX articles and photos. The current Minnesota Adjutant General.