INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana National Guard members from multiple intelligence units traveled to Slovakia in January as part of the first of many expected meetings to familiarize the Slovak Army with how the Hoosier Guard prepares for intelligence missions.
Even though the Guard troops and Slovakia's Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance Battalion are separated by more than 4,800 miles, it didn't take long to find out that they train and prepare for missions similarly.
"While the trip was short, it was apparent on the final day that both groups had benefited from the trip.There were obvious linkages that helped to build the foundation for a long-term partnership and friendship between Indiana and Slovak intel warriors," said Maj. Shawn R. Eaken, the Indiana National Guard's international programs director.
Though the Indiana National Guard has had a working relationship with the Slovak armed forces for more than 20 years as part of the State Partnership Program, this is the first time intelligence has been discussed. The Guard members used this time to discuss the current capability of their respective cyber elements and exchange intelligence collection methods.
"Although we live so far away from each other, we actually share the attitude in supporting and protecting all in need," said a Slovak captain who prefers to remain anonymous. "Thus sharing lessons learned or best practices becomes crucial in getting more and more effective to preserve our countries as safe place for our citizens. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to share and cooperate with such a professionals as Indiana National Guard has and further cooperation is very welcomed."
The two groups spent three days going over collection management methods, asset allocation, and sharing lessons learned from both sides. The National Guardsmen also shared methods on how the National Guard supports local civilian authorities during flooding and other domestic crisis.
With the success of this initial meeting, the desire to continue with this program is mutual, said
Maj. Chris Silbaugh, the Indiana National Guard's deputy intelligence officer, who also said he had high hopes for deepening the Hoosier, Slovak partnership.
"This event is the start of a new branch within our partnership with Slovakia. This is an excellent opportunity to share lessons learned and serves as a means for us to continue sharing best practices that all can learn from in the future," said Silbaugh.