DUSHANBE, Tajikistan –
Four Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers conducted a close-quarters battle exchange with members of the Tajik military April 7 - 11, 2025, in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. The engagement was conducted in support of the Department of Defense’s State Partnership Program, which has connected Virginia and Tajikistan since 2003.
The VaARNG team was comprised of 1st Lt. Josh Jeffcoat, 1st Lt. Zane Seymore and Staff Sgt. Eric Shively, all assigned to the Lynchburg-based 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, and Master Sgt. John Luther, assigned to the Fort Belvoir-based 29th Infantry Division.
The exchange focused on developing and refining CQB fundamentals, while fostering collaboration between U.S. and Tajik forces. A total of 30 Tajik participants, representing three sectors of the nation’s defense forces, took part in the training. Ranks ranged from junior officers to senior colonels.
Training took place 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. From there, participants 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 under 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 VNG’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 military-to-military relationship between the Virginia Army National Guard and Tajikistan, promoting regional stability and long-term cooperation.
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, deter violent extremism, expand emergency response capabilities, develop professionalism among leaders and staffs and promote shared values in national sovereignty and security.
Read more about the VNG’s partnership with Tajikistan at https://vngpao.info/4k3xhwfv.