DUSHANBE, Tajikistan – Four Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers recently conducted a close-quarters battle exchange training with members of the Tajik military.
The engagement was conducted April 7-11 through the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program, which has paired Virginia and Tajikistan since 2003.
The Guard team comprised 1st Lt. Josh Jeffcoat, 1st Lt. Zane Seymore and Staff Sgt. Eric Shively, all of whom are assigned to the Lynchburg-based 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, and Master Sgt. John Luther, who is assigned to the Fort Belvoir-based 29th Infantry Division.
The exchange focused on developing and refining close-quarters battle fundamentals while fostering collaboration between U.S. and Tajik forces. Thirty Tajik participants, representing three sectors of the nation’s defense forces, participated in the training. Their ranks ranged from junior officers to senior colonels.
Training occurred over five days of progressive instruction in a purpose-built shoot house with a catwalk. The exchange began with a focus on M4 rifle handling, stance and exterior movement to a building. Participants also were trained on room-clearing techniques, two and four-man entries, room-to-room transitions and hallway tactics.
The last two days of the exchange focused on full nine-man squad-level operations and execution of a full-building clearance in a scenario incorporating simulated civilian presence and enemy combatants.
“This exchange marked another successful event in the ongoing partnership, delivering key CQB instructions while encouraging the development of new standard operating procedures for Tajik defense forces,” said Maj. Isaac Rivera, the Virginia National Guard’s SPP coordinator. “The two-way engagement provided valuable insight into each nation’s tactical approach and strengthened mutual respect and interoperability between forces.”
This event reinforces the growing relationship between the Virginia Army National Guard and Tajikistan, promoting regional stability and long-term cooperation.
In July 2023, the Guard and Tajikistan celebrated the 20th anniversary of their formal partnership through the State Partnership Program. The program celebrated its 30th anniversary the same year. The relationship has benefited all parties and has resulted in shared subject matter expertise during 200 military-to-military engagements. Those engagements help counter terrorism, deter violent extremism, expand emergency response capabilities, develop professionalism among leaders and staff and promote shared values in national sovereignty and security.