The Virginia National Guard and the Republic of Tajikistan have developed a partnership over the past two decades with hundreds of military engagements, emergency response support and professional development.

The two have been partners since 2003, as a part of the State Partnership Program, which was launched by the US Department of Defense in 1993 to build and strengthen military-to-military and civilian-to-military relationships between US states and partner countries.

In their 21 years of partnership, the Virginia National Guard and Tajikistan have engaged in over 200 military-to-military engagements that help foster cooperation and strengthen capabilities.

The two have shared subject matter expertise to counter terrorism, deter violent extremism, expand emergency response capabilities, develop professionalism and promote shared values in national sovereignty and security.

The enduring relationship between the Virginia National Guard and Tajikistan has helped promote shared values and enhance security.

Mountain warfare best practices

In May, Virginia National Guard engineers conducted mountain warfare training in Romit, Tajikistan -- the third Virginian-Tajik collaboration on mountain warfare in the past three years. This training focused on the unique challenges of operating in mountainous terrain, a crucial skill in Tajikistan's rugged geography.

The two sides shared best practices of mountain warfare operations, including knot tying, rappelling and rope bridge implementation.

Virginia National Guardsmen also conducted an infantry tactical exchange with soldiers from Tajik Defense Ministry Peacekeeping Battalion in March.

The week-long training included intensive training sessions on various infantry tactics, allowing both forces to share expertise and improve their operational readiness.

That followed an engineer exchange in January that focused on base denial, demolition, building of defensive fighting positions and airfield crater repair.

"Overall, the exchange was successful with a lot of interaction between us and our Tajikistani partners," 2nd Lt. Andrew Seitter said at the time.

"We see ways that we both can better our future engineering efforts. The exchange seems to have had a great effect on our partner's future engineering strategies."

"The partnership with Tajikistan has been incredibly rewarding," said Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the adjutant general of Virginia, in April 2023.

"We have learned a great deal from each other and built lasting relationships. Our shared commitment to security and stability has been the foundation of this partnership, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration in the years to come."