DUSHANBE, Tajikistan - Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen conducted an exchange with the Republic of Tajikistan focusing on noncommissioned officer and junior officer development Feb. 17-21.
The exchange supported the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program. Virginia and Tajikistan have been partners since 2003.
Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy Hawley, the Virginia Army National Guard command sergeant major, led the exchange, highlighting the roles and responsibilities of company-level officers and NCOs. The exchange included Tajik participants from the Ministry of Defense, Border Patrol and National Guard.
Lt. Col. John Crocker, commander of the 1030th Transportation Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group, also held focus groups during the five-day exchange, focusing on his role as a battalion commander and the relationship between a battalion commander and their command sergeant major.
“The exchange was instrumental for both sides’ leadership development,” said Maj. Isaac Rivera, the VNG’s SPP coordinator. “Virginia National Guard members discussed how junior NCOs learn essential leadership skills, such as decision making, problem solving and communication, which are critical for effective leadership.”
Chief Master Sgt. Joe Young, the senior enlisted leader for the Virginia Air National Guard’s 192nd Mission Support Group, 192nd Wing, shared lessons learned from his years of leadership.
“Young spoke to the group about how senior NCOs serve as role models, demonstrating the behaviors and values expected of NCOs and professional growth,” said Rivera. “He also discussed how development training emphasizes critical thinking, enabling junior NCOs to make informed decisions in complex situations.”
In July 2023, the VNG and Tajikistan celebrated the 20th anniversary of their formal partnership in the State Partnership Program, which began in 1993 and has grown to include 115 partner countries.
The relationship has benefitted all parties, from sharing subject matter expertise throughout 200 military-to-military engagements that help counter terrorism and expand emergency response capabilities, develop professionalism among leaders and staff and promote shared values in national sovereignty and security.