Camp Ripley

Army Aviators from Company C, 2nd Battalion, 211th General Support Aviation Battalion conducted hoist training at Camp Ripley this weekend! The training allows flight crews and medics to train in scenarios like casualty evacuation in locations where helicopters can't land.


34th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade Minnesota National Guard

Soldiers from the 334th Brigade Engineer Battalion demonstrated the capabilities of the M139 Volcano, a munitions-laying system, to members of the Swedish Armed Forces while at Camp Ripley this past weekend!

Minnesota National Guard

Last weekend marked the 27th annual Bataan Memorial March and ceremony commemorating the sacrifices of those who suffered the infamous defense of the Philippines against Japan and the Bataan Death March of 1942. For nearly three decades, the Minnesota National Guard’s 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 194th Armor, has sustained the honor and traditions of those who served and fell before them. This legacy is preserved in the physical and emotional events that take place under their guidance each year.

Minnesota National Guard

Soldiers in the Minnesota National Guard's Joint Emergency Response Force, also known as Chemical Enhanced Response Force Packages (CERFP) trained at Camp Ripley this weekend!

The training took place at the Combined Arms Collective Training Facility and consisted of simulated decontamination operations and search and extraction missions.


(Chemical also includes Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives - CBRNE)

Soldiers in the Minnesota National Guard Medical Detachment conducted field medical training lanes at Camp Ripley this weekend! These lanes included a litter-carrying obstacle course, a react-to-contact medical lane, and a nine-line medical evacuation radio broadcast lane.

Camp Ripley's Training Site Unit would like to recognize Sergeant Joseph Hawkins, who was awarded the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal this weekend! Sgt. Hawkins has devoted over 20 years of volunteer service to Minnesota Communities with his non-profit organization, SGT Hot Wheels, which aims to promote the well-being and happiness of underprivileged youth. Throughout the coordination of multiple events and fundraisers, Sgt. Hawkins has donated around 60 thousand toy cars and has brought smiles to the faces of countless children in numerous communities!

Keep up the great work, Sgt. Hot Wheels!

Minnesota National Guard

Camp Ripley's Training Site Unit would like to congratulate Sergeant First Class Pamela Marshik on her promotion to the rank of Master Sergeant this weekend!

Only a small percentage of Soldiers reach the rank of Master Sergeant, and this promotion was well earned! Master Sgt. Marshik has served in the Minnesota National Guard for 22 years, worked collectively with TSU for five years within multiple organizations, and supported the National Guard Bureau Biathlon team for around 15 years as the Central Division Race Coordinator!

Congratulations, Master Sgt. Marshik!

Camp Ripley was at the Minnesota State Fair yesterday for Military Appreciation Day! Thanks to everyone who stopped by the booth and shared their stories!

Soldiers with the 334th Brigade Engineer Battalion completed multiple live demolition ranges, detonating various charges and completing training drills like breaching and obstacle removal at Camp Ripley this past week. Soldiers also ran through simulated squad tactics movements and practiced safely removing wire obstacles.

Minnesota National Guard 334th Brigade Engineer Battalion

Congressional Delegation Staff members from representatives across Minnesota toured Camp Ripley this week! They met with Minnesota National Guard members and learned about the installation's training, logistical, medical, and maintenance capabilities at state and federal levels, as well as how the Minnesota National Guard is continuing its modernization.

Minnesota National Guard

Last Week Scouts from the BSA Central Minnesota Council, Scouting America and surrounding Troops, enjoyed the opportunity to work on a couple merit badge requirements along side Soldiers of the Minnesota National Guard’s 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 194th Armor.

While on Camp Ripley conducting land navigation, first aid and other skills training, Soldiers of the battalion were able to invite a small group of Scouts to join in on the classroom and outdoor hands-on education being offered.

Military training is often employed using the Crawl, Walk, Run method of reinforcement as the exercise progresses. As Boy Scouts do not use tanks or other weapons, the early stages of the training safely and perfectly met requirements and needs for the youth while supporting the progress of the Soldiers for more intense training to follow.

Many questions and inquiries can be answered by listening to these podcasts posted on the HOME PAGE for Camp Ripley’s isportsman account. Please click on the links below:
https://ripley.isportsman.net/default.aspx
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZWmT5pjQM0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFwcUUJHq8U

Brigadier General Terje Bruøygard, the Commander of the Norwegian Brigade North, the largest unit in the Norwegian Army, visited Camp Ripley Aug. 13-16, 2024 with his staff to observe training and modernization of equipment with Minnesota National Guard Soldiers.



Minnesota National Guard

Camp Ripley would like to congratulate Jonathan Propst on his promotion to the rank of Major today!

Maj. Propst has been the Camp Ripley Special Projects Officer for over two and a half years and is also the Commander of the Camp Ripley Training Support Unit.

Thank you, Maj. Propst for your hard work, and congratulations!

Congratulations to Private First Class Adam Lehew, who was promoted to the rank of Specialist with the Camp Ripley Training Support Unit yesterday, August 4th, 2024!

During XCTC, Spc. Lehew assisted with the arrival and refueling of multiple aircraft from different units and states. Lehew volunteered to assist the fueling section when he wasn't busy working with Airfield Operations and during his personal time. His efforts allowed the section to run both of their fuel trucks simultaneously during the busy exercise.

Great work!

Camp Ripley's Training Support Unit held a change of responsibility ceremony today, August 4th, 2024. 1st Sergeant Anthony St. Sauver passes on responsibility of TSU over to 1st Sergeant Jenny George, who has served as an operations NCO for Camp Ripley for the past ten months.

Camp Ripley would like to thank 1st Sergeant St. Sauver for his close to three years of dedicated and successful service at TSU! "I'm humbled to have been able to do this job," said St. Sauver. "My family provides the support I need, and I couldn't have gone through it without them. And I couldn't have done it without all of the Soldier's and staff's efforts at TSU, and ultimately, it is all of you who have made us successful."

Camp Ripley would like to congratulate 1st Sergeant Jenny George as she takes over for 1st Sergeant St. Sauver! "I'd like to thank the Garrison Command team for giving me this opportunity, and thank you, 1st Sergeant St. Sauver, for your leadership and dedication to the unit and for allowing me to inherit such an amazing company," said George. "I've been so impressed by the professionalism of the Soldiers at TSU and their unwavering customer service. I'd also like to thank my family for their continued support and for being there every step of the way in my career. I'm forever grateful."

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
Southeastern Todd County in central Minnesota...
Northeastern Stearns County in central Minnesota...
Southwestern Morrison County in central Minnesota...
* Until 900 PM CDT.
* At 800 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Grey Eagle,
or 19 miles southwest of Little Falls, moving southeast at 30 mph.

Information about Severe Thunderstorm Warning https://g.co/kgs/wmREqx9

Approximately 300 youth, ages 10-15, converge on Camp Ripley, Minnesota, in July-August to attend the Annual Minnesota National Guard Youth Camp. During the one-week camp session, the youth, dependents, nieces, nephews, brothers, sisters, and grandchildren of current and retired Minnesota Guard members spend seven days experiencing Camp Ripley and its surrounding environment.
https://mngyc.org/index.cfm

36 years ago today, Camp Ripley hosted the first Minnesota National Guard Youth Camp. The following year it became the first accredited National Guard Youth Camp in the United States!