Here's how you know
 **Official websites use .mil** .mil
 **Secure .mil websites use HTTPS** lock () https://


Skip to main content (Press Enter).
 Toggle navigation
            
            
            
            
            National Guard
                        Always Ready Always There
                    National Guard
            
            Search National Guard:
                        Search
                    Search
                        Search National Guard:
                            Search
    Home

    News
    
        Guard News

    Overseas Operations

    State Partnership Program

    News Features

    RSS Feeds

    Press Releases

    Transcripts

    Features
    
        Features by Year

    Posture Statement

    State Partnership Program

    Special Features

    About the Guard
    
        How We Began

    Air National Guard

    Army National Guard    
    
        DEERS Soldier Journey

    Leader Development Program

    History and Heritage

    I am the Guard

    NGB Official March

    Leadership
    
        CNGB

    VCNGB

    SEA

    DANG

    DARNG

    Joint Staff    
    
        J-1

    J-2

    J-3

    J-4

    J-5

    J-6

    J-7

    J-8

    Personal Staff    
    
        Inspector General

    General Counsel    
    
        Special Victims Counsel

    Public Affairs

    Executive Support Services

    Legislative Liaison

    Special Staff    
    
        Office of the Provost Marshal

    Office of the Joint Surgeon

    Director of Acquisitions

    Small Business Programs

    Chaplain

    Senior Leader Management Office

    Diversity Equity Inclusion

    Comptroller

    Resources    
        National Defense Strategy Implementation Guidance

    Community Engagement

    FOIA

    Fact Sheets

    Helpful Links

    Image Gallery
    
        News Images

    Graphics

    Historical Paintings

    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

    Legislative Liaison

    Small Business Programs

    Social Media

    State Websites

    Videos    
    
        Featured Videos

    On Every Front

    2019 Videos

    2020 Videos

    2021 Videos

    Suicide Prevention

    Family Programs

    Environmental

    Trial Defense Service

    Holistic Wellness Challenge

    Contact Us  Home
  News
  Article View
 
 Download
 Details
 Share
 Download
 Details
 Share
 NEWS
 Virginia Guard Conducts Mountain Warfare Exchange in Tajikistan By Mike Vrabel,
                Virginia National Guard Public Affairs Office
 ROMIT, Tajikistan - Five Virginia National Guard Soldiers conducted a mountain warfare exchange with soldiers from the Republic of Tajikistan July 24-29. The five-day exchange in Romit supported the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program, in which Virginia and Tajikistan have been partners since 2003. Led by Maj. Kevin Hoffman, the team covered basic mountain warfare skills for up to 30 Tajik soldiers, including knot tying, rappelling, patrolling formations and ambush tactics. “Towards the end of the week, they oversaw and participated in a field exercise with their Tajik counterparts allowing them to practice the skills that were taught,” said Capt. Kevin Eddings, the VNG’s SPP coordinator. Hoffman was assisted by VNG Soldiers, including 2nd Lt. Evan Gizzard, 1st Sgt. Daniel Timberlake, Staff Sgt. Alex Miller and Sgt. Fabian Orban. The VNG team shared skills, lessons learned and best practices with their Tajik partners. “It was truly fascinating to witness the dynamic exchange between our Soldiers and the Tajik forces,” said Hoffman. “Both sides exhibited a keen desire to learn and share knowledge, and we successfully achieved our training objectives. The exchange was a great success and I look forward to maintaining this important strategic relationship with our Tajik partners.” Hoffman said the Tajik soldiers made a strong impression on his team. “Our training encompassed mountaineering skills and small-unit tactics,” said Hoffman. “The Tajik’s mastery of mountain terrain was evident and impressed our guys.” The exchange was conducted in Romit, a mountainous region west of Tajikistan’s capital, Dushanbe. “This was the second time this exchange had been conducted in Romit and it went remarkably well considering some of the limitations,” said Eddins. “However, the hope is that exchanges like this will continue being a building block for future cooperation between the Tajikistan Ministry of Defense and the Virginia National Guard.” In July, the VNG and Tajikistan celebrated the 20th anniversary of their formal partnership in the State Partnership Program, which began 30 years ago. Virginia and Tajikistan have shared their expertise through 200 military-to-military engagements that counter terrorism, deter violent extremism, expand emergency response capabilities and promote shared values in national sovereignty and security.
 SHARE
 PRINT
 State Partnership Program celebrates 30-year anniversary
 Virginia National Guard
 State Partnership Program
 Tajikistan
 mountain warfare
 
 29th Infantry Division HQ Heads Exercise Immediate Response
 By Sgt. 1st Class Jon Soucy,
  Virginia Guard, Tajikistan Conduct Key Leader Exchange
 By Mike Vrabel,
  Guard Soldiers, Czech Partners Celebrate Victory in Europe Day
 By Staff Sgt. Jeff Clements,
  More
 Illinois Guard Completes Emergency Response Training Guard News • 4 hours ago
 National Guard Ready for Potential Record-Breaking Wildfire, Hurricane Season Guard News • 2 days ago
 Washington Army Guard, Partners Train on Air Rescues Guard News • 3 days ago
 New Hampshire Guard Medevacs Injured Hiker to Safety Guard News • 5 days ago
 New York’s 109th Airlift Wing Begins 2024 Greenland Missions Guard News • 6 days ago
 2024 (166)  2023 (427)  2022 (526)  2021 (697)  2020 (936)  2019 (387)  2018 (323)  2017 (346)  2016 (245)  2015 (356)  2014 (399)  2013 (469)  2012 (556)  2011 (533)  2010 (1071)  2009 (357)  2008 (638)  2007 (295)  2006 (188)
 Home
 Site Map
 Privacy & Security Policy
 Link Disclaimer
 Web Policy
 DOD Information Quality
 DOD Open GovernmentFOIA
 No FEAR Act
 Accessibility/Section 508
 Contact Us
 Army Guard Careers
 Air Guard Careers
 USA.gov
                    
Staying Connected
    XYouTubeFlickrFacebookInstagram
                 
                
                

Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil