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 | Jan. 8, 2024

Virginia National Guard Conducts Medevac Exchange in Tajikistan

By Virginia National Guard Public Affairs

DUSHANBE, Tajikistan – Virginia National Guard Soldiers conducted a medical evacuation tactics exchange with the Republic of Tajikistan Dec. 4-9 in support of the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program. Virginia and Tajikistan have been partners since 2003.

The medical exchange team, composed of Soldiers assigned to the Hanover-based 229th Military Police Company, 1030th Transportation Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group, and the Fort Barfoot-based Medical Command, conducted the five-day exchange at a military installation in Dushanbe. 

“As part of the exchange, the team shared ideas, best practices and lessons learned with their Tajikistan partners,” said Maj. Isaac Rivera, the VNG’s State Partnership Program director. 

The medical exchange centered on the new standards of Tactical Combat Casualty Care - All Service Members with a focus on medical evacuation. Tajikistan personnel included doctors specializing in cardiology and neurology, law enforcement and nurses.

Staff Sgt. Christopher Weakley, the noncommissioned officer in charge, said he appreciated the opportunity provided by the State Partnership Program to train alongside foreign medical partners.

"It was very exciting and fulfilling working with the Tajiks,” said Weakley. “Both instructors and students benefitted from a medical knowledge exchange between each other. The training was not intended to change the Tajik’s or American medical planning, treatment or evacuation procedures, but to exchange ideas and best practices from each group, to better enhance future endeavors during combat and non-combat exercises.” 

In addition to Weakley, Rivera said Sgt. Zachary Cressman contributed to a successful exchange, sharing 12 years of medical knowledge from the military and his background as a civilian firefighter and emergency medical technician. 

“I’m looking forward to having more instructors participate in foreign exchanges in the near future to diversify the impact that the medics can have and to allow for a broader representation of their contributions to the mission of the Virginia National Guard,” said Cressman. 

In July, the VNG and Tajikistan celebrated the 20th anniversary of their formal partnership in the State Partnership Program, which began in 1993.

Virginia National Guard members and Tajikistan have shared subject matter expertise throughout 200 military-to-military engagements that help counter terrorism, deter violent extremism, expand emergency response capabilities, develop professionalism among leaders and staffs and promote shared values in national sovereignty and security.

 

 

Related Articles
National Guard Soldiers and Airmen and members of the Virginia Defense Force partner with military and civilian cyber operators in enclaves to simulate the process they would follow to respond to and mitigate a cyber attack Aug. 11, 2025, at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia, during Cyber Fortress 25. The exercise focused on electric cooperatives and provided an opportunity to test Virginia’s cyber response plan, better prepare for future collective responses and build resiliency. In addition, representatives from several foreign militaries participated in the exercise, including a number from Finland, Virginia National Guard’s State Partnership Program's partner. The Fort Belvoir-based 91st Cyber Brigade and Information Operations Support Center hosted the exercise which includes a re-certification of two cyber protection teams and one battalion headquarters as part of their federal mission.
Virginia Guard, Cyber Operators Train at Cyber Fortress 25
By Cotton Puryear, | Sept. 19, 2025
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.  – National Guard Soldiers and Airmen and members of the Virginia Defense Force partnered with military and civilian cyber operators Aug. 2-17 at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia,...

Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Bedford-based Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conduct a movement to contact situational training lane June 9, 2025, at Fort Pickett, Virginia. The 116th is the first Army National Guard brigade to test a prototype task organization for a mobile brigade combat team, and it will be evaluated during a 21-day eXportable Combat Training Capability rotation. The MBCT concept is part of the U.S. Army’s transformation initiative with the goal of making units more agile and lethal.
Virginia Guard to Test New Mobile Brigade Combat Team
By Cotton Puryear, | June 12, 2025
RICHMOND, Va.  –  The Virginia National Guard’s Staunton-based 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) will be the first Army National Guard brigade to test and evaluate a prototype task organization for a mobile brigade...

Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airman conduct a collective training exercise simulating a response to a simulated mass casualty radiological event April 30, 2025, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia. The Soldiers and Airmen are assigned to the Richmond-based 34th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High-Yield Explosives Enhanced Response Force Package, or CERFP. During the exercise, search and rescue, decontamination and medical teams worked together to rescue simulated casualties portrayed by role players. The CERFP is capable of providing support to first responders and civil authorities after a chemical, biological or nuclear incident. Read more about the 34th CERFP athttps://vngpao.info/2p89jnkp.
Virginia National Guard Team Trains for Disaster Response
By Mike Vrabel, | May 9, 2025
FORT BARFOOT, Va.  –  Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen conducted a collective training exercise responding to a simulated mass casualty radiological event at Fort Barfoot April 28 - May 2. The Soldiers and Airmen...