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, 2025, in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. The exchange was conducted in support of the Department of Defense‘s State Partnership program, in which Virginia and Tajikistan have been partners since 2003.
Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy Hawley, the Virginia Army National Guard command sergeant major, led the exchange, which highlighted the roles and responsibilities of company-level officers and NCOs. The exchange included Tajik participants from three different security and military components, including the Ministry of Defense, Border Patrol and National Guard.
Lt. Col. John Crocker, commander of the Gate City-based 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 his or her 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, also presented to the group, sharing 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 itself just celebrated its 30-year anniversary. 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 staffs and promote shared values in national sovereignty and security.
Read more about the State Partnership Program at https://vngpao.info/yd647trf.
Read more about the VNG’s partnership with Tajikistan at https://vngpao.info/4k3xhwfv.