Academy of New Challenges
Sgt . Andrew Wensmann Community Relations Specialist
Jan . 21 , 2021 ( CAMP RIPLEY , Minn ,) — Over the past year , so many things have changed , and challenges have presented themselves left and right . The State Patrol had no exemption from the challenges of 2020 . The State Patrol was on the frontline of some of the conflicts and had to modify their plans to face others . In this year of COVID-19 and rioting , the State Patrol pushed forward on new ground to better their force and the communities of Minnesota .
The State Patrol ’ s first major hurdle of 2020 came on just as suddenly as it did for everyone else . Facing COVID-19 while still training a new force presented a problem-solving opportunity . Their
MINNESOTA GUARD WOMAN ( Continued from Page 4 ) of Jon with me ,” added Storms .
Now serving as a 35F Intelligence Analyst with the S-2 Section of 1st Combined Arms Battalion – 194th Armor , Cpl . Storms is excited to begin her first deployment journey , to be hands on with
solution was simple . Reduce exposure by consolidating the academy and extending it to 7 days a week . This allowed the training to be completed in less time than the traditional schedule and reduced the exposure of the cadets by restricting them to the training environment until completion . In addition to consolidating the academy , graduation was reduced to accommodate only the cadets . This prevented family members from celebrating the grand achievement . However , it allowed everyone to maintain safety and move on to the next mission . Only several weeks after graduation , a large number of state patrol officers were called to the metro to assist in calming civil unrest .
Although these were the most major issues faced by the State Patrol this year ,
the missions they trained for , and to grow a stronger bond with her section and unit . “ I ’ m just really excited to serve with a good group of people and to honor our unit history .”
Cpl . Storms never forgets about how she started her career and offers advice for anyone willing to follow her footsteps .
The Ripley Reporter • Morrison County Record • www . mcrecord . com • April 25 , 2021 • 5
there were still concerns about recruiting for this year ’ s class of cadets . The restrictions and safety precautions put forth to combat the virus caused a significant reduction in recruiting events . As the result , the State Patrol had difficulty mid-year providing opportunities for recruits to find their calling . Fortunately , the Patrol found new ways to reach the next generation of law enforcement to increase their numbers towards the end of 2020 . The Traditional State Patrol academy and the Law Enforcement Training Opportunity commenced their training at the end of February .
More information on joining the Minnesota State Patrol can be found at : www . dps . mn . gov / divisions / msp / jointhe-state-patrol / trooper-careers / Pages / default . aspx .
“ I would tell them that they are the biggest advocate for their own career . Tell your leaders what you want and stand up for it . Changing MOSs was a difficult time for me because I had leadership in my old unit who thought they knew what was best for me - but I ’ m happier now in the Guard than I have been in all 5 years
The Minnesota State Patrol Academy has been held on Camp Ripley for many years . Despite the busy schedule and upcoming challenges , the Academy continued as planned . ( Minnesota National Guard Photo by Sgt . Tony Housey )
of my service and I ’ m glad I stood up for my own career .”
“ I ’ d also tell them to challenge themselves and never fear failing . Failure is just an opportunity to learn and grow , not only as a Soldier but as a person ,” added Storms . Remember Bataan , Never Forget .
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