Learning the customs and courtesies of a foreign nation before traveling to the area is designed to combat culture shock and is a pre-emptive way for Soldiers to build an understanding of the way of life in that nation. The PTAE team allows this training to be brought to the Soldiers rather than relying on traveling to an Active Duty post.

With minimal travel, Red Bulls are given the chance to go deep into the thick of the woods on Camp Ripley’s land navigation course to find designated points, low crawl through sand and tall grass to neutralize an enemy bunker, and practice first aid during a combat life saver class.

The Minnesota PTAE team exists for Soldiers and their families’ to mitigate time apart from each other, said Simonet. Since the state has all the resources and assets it needs to conduct this training, it saves nearly a month of training away from family at a pre-mobilization station out of state.