CAMP RIPLEY, Minn.,- A group of 60 Norwegian Home Guard youth, who arrived here on Feb. 12, enjoyed a week of intense Army training and finished off with a weekend of sightseeing and shopping in Minneapolis.
They came to Minnesota with great expectations. For them to come here is a "big deal," said Marthe Brendefur, one of the students. "Everyone hears great things about this in Norway."
While they are here, they build a great sense of esprit de corps in their platoons and achievements. Values, such as honor, duty, and camaraderie, are reinforced through their daily activities and competitions.
Many of the youth build such strong bonds with the Minnesota cadre they meet that they later send messages and gifts back with current participants to be given to their old cadre leaders.
They compete with other platoons daily to earn the right as the "hooah" platoon. The winner of the coveted "hooah" battle streamer attaches it to their guidon, proudly displaying their achievements for the day.
Whenever a platoon wins the banner, their mascot, which is a teddy bear dressed in military fatigues, receives a promotion in rank. The goal is to get the mascot to general officer.
Of all of the activities they have participated in, among the most popular and widely anticipated was the ride on the CH-47 Chinook helicopter, qualifying with the M16 and M4 rifles and shopping.
"The best part of this exchange is meeting new people and seeing the differences between our cultures," said Jonas Salthammer, a Norwegian Home Guard member.
In Norway, all youth are required to serve as a conscript for one year after high school. One such youth is Anders Ofstaas, nicknamed "Highspeed," because of his gung ho attitude and desire to succeed. He has decided to join the Norwegian army and become a paratrooper.
These teenagers are highly trained, disciplined and motivated, Guard officials said. This becomes evident when they are seen on the range or in the field.
"They are very hard core, and very motivated. When you see that kind of motivation, esprit de corps and can do attitude it is absolutely awesome," said Staff Sgt. John Hugh, a military police officer and platoon sergeant for the white platoon. "It has been a pleasure training them … I couldn't have asked for a better group of young people to train in my life."