JERICHO, Vt. - Six soldiers from the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia participated in annual training with the Detachment 1 Engineers, Garrison Support Command with the Vermont Army National Guard April 24 to May 5.
The North Macedonia Army and Vermont Soldiers learned to use heavy machinery to move earth over mountainous terrain at the Ethan Allen Firing Range. They also built berms at different firing points to increase the safety of the training site.
Vermont and North Macedonia are partners under the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program. The 30-year-old program promotes military-to-military cooperation and cultural exchanges between nations.
“There is an incredible benefit to both nations from bilateral training opportunities,” U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Gregory Knight, the adjutant general of the Vermont National Guard, told the soldiers.
The partnership with North Macedonia began in 1993 and has been instrumental in enhancing the capabilities and understanding of both countries’ military personnel. In three decades, the SPP has grown to include 88 partnerships with 100 nations around the globe. In addition to its partnership with North Macedonia, the Vermont National Guard is partners with Senegal and Austria.