An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Nov. 13, 2019

NY National Guard, South Africa hold annual defense meeting

By Lt. Col. Al Phillips New York National Guard

PRETORIA, South Africa – American and South African military officials, including a New York National Guard team headed by Brig. Gen. Michel Natali, explored joint training and exchange opportunities during an annual defense committee meeting (DEFCOM) Nov. 4 and 6.

The New York National Guard has had a training relationship with the South African National Defence Force as part of the National Guard’s State Partnership Program since 2003.

DEFCOM is held each year to discuss bilateral security cooperation and relationship goals. It’s also an opportunity for New York National Guard and South African military representatives to discuss training and exchange opportunities in the coming year.

The meeting rotates between the U.S. and South Africa each year.

The committee includes representatives from the South African military, the South African Embassy to the United States, the U.S. Department of Defense, United States Africa Command, and the U.S. Embassy in South Africa.

The two-day meeting was co-chaired by Michelle Lenihan, acting deputy assistant secretary of defense for African affairs, and Dr. Thobekile Gmede, the chief of defense policy for the South African Defence Ministry.

The delegates are assigned to one of four working groups: policy and strategy, operations, human resources, and acquisition and technology.

The emphasis during the discussions was on enhancing South Africa’s capability for peace support and humanitarian contingency operations.

“I’m pleased with the current progress between our exchanges this past year and I see great potential within the State Partnership Program for New York to help South African civil authorities and emergency management officials develop their capabilities,” Natali said.

The South African National Defence Force and the New York National Guard have held military police, natural disaster and firefighter exchanges to strengthen partner networks and capabilities.

Nineteen firefighters from New York Air National Guard air wings were in Western Cape Province during the defense committee meeting to conduct a bilateral training exercise with South African National Parks firefighting personnel.

The New York National Guard invited the South African National Defence Force to send military personnel to two military schools run by the New York Army National Guard’s 106th Regional Training Institute in the spring.

The South Africans were invited to send personnel to the Future Leaders Course, which develops junior non-commissioned officers, Natali said.

They were also invited to send trainers to the Tactical Athletes Course, which focuses on helping Soldiers develop their physical fitness.

 

 

Related Articles
Photo of medical training during a Port Subject Matter Expert Exchange at the Port of Laem Chabang, Thailand, August 20, 2025. (Courtesy Photo)
Washington Guard Continues Strengthening Relationship at Thailand’s Port of Laem Chabang
By Joseph Siemandel, | Sept. 30, 2025
CAMP MURRAY, Wash. - Four members of the Washington National Guard partnered recently with more than 170 employees from the Port of Laem Chabang, Thailand, to continue improving the port’s all-hazard response as part of the...

Leaders and attendees from the Hawai‘i National Guard, Guam National Guard and Armed Forces of the Philippines gather for a group photo during the 25th anniversary celebration of the State Partnership Program between the Hawai‘i National Guard and the AFP at Clark Air Base, Philippines, Sept. 25, 2025. The Hawai‘i Guard and AFP launched the Indo-Pacific’s first State Partnership in 2000, marking 25 years of cooperation in training, disaster response and regional security.
25 Years Strong: Hawai‘i Guard and Philippines Celebrate Enduring Partnership
By Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy, | Sept. 30, 2025
CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines — Cheers, handshakes and shared stories filled the air Sept. 23–25 as the Hawai‘i National Guard and Armed Forces of the Philippines celebrated 25 years of partnership — a bond that has endured...

Oklahoma National Guard leaders and Italian representatives unveil a plaque at the former headquarters of the 45th Infantry Division during WWII in Venafro, Italy, Sept. 8, 2025. A delegation of Oklahoma National Guard members and veterans toured key locations from the 45th Infantry Division’s campaign in Italy against German forces during World War II, continuing the development of the Thunderbird Trail. The initiative is aimed at preserving the Division's role in World War II through a memorial trail tracing its footsteps through Italy, France and Germany, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Danielle Rayon)
Thunderbird Trail: Preserving Sacrifice, Strengthening Connection for Oklahoma Guard
By Sgt. Danielle Rayon, | Sept. 29, 2025
ITALY – Standing among rows of white marble headstones at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial, Soldiers of the Oklahoma National Guard bent to place sand from the beaches of Anzio into the carved names of...