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 under the State Partnership Program, launched in 1993 by the US Department of Defense to build and strengthen military-to-military and civilian-to-military relationships.

In their 22 years of partnership, the Virginia National Guard and Tajikistan have engaged in more than 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.

In April, Virginia National Guard members conducted mountain warfare training in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. 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 for developing and refining mountain warfare fundamentals, including knot tying, rappelling and rope bridge implementation.

Exchanges on non-commissioned officer and junior officer development, close-quarters battle tactics and staff officer Military Decision Making Process (MDMP) workshops also have continued.

'Lasting relationships'

Virginia National Guardsmen conducted an infantry tactical exchange with soldiers from Tajik Defense Ministry Peacekeeping Battalion in March 2024.

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

The training 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."