Troops from Tajikistan and the Virginia National Guard have enjoyed a productive 22-year partnership through the U.S. National Guard’s State Partnership Program.
The partners have conducted more than 200 military-to-military engagements to counter terrorism, deter violent extremism, improve emergency response and promote shared values in national sovereignty and security.
Engagements continued in February 2025 when Virginia Soldiers and Airmen conducted an exchange with Tajik forces that focused on noncommissioned officer and junior officer development. The five-day exchange included Tajik participants from the Ministry of Defense, Border Guards and National Guard.
The training stressed professional growth aimed at developing critical thinking skills to handle complex situations. “The exchange was instrumental for both sides’ leadership development,” said Maj. Isaac Rivera of the Virginia National Guard.
A prominent engagement in 2024 involved Brig. Gen. Todd H. Hubbard of the Virginia National Guard traveling to Tajikistan for meetings with Tajik commanders, including Gen. Maj. Husein Shokirzoda, head of the Mobile Forces, and Gen. Col. Rajabali Rahmonali, former commander of the Border Guards.
“I enjoy the friendships I have made with our Tajik partners,” Gen. Hubbard said about his visit to Dushanbe. “They are proud of their independent country and want to improve security for their citizens.”
The annual Regional Cooperation military exercise sponsored by U.S. Central Command is another occasion
for engagements between Tajik and Virginia partners.
Source: Virginia National Guard Public Affairs