DUSHANBE, Tajikistan –
Five Virginia National Guard Soldiers conducted a staff officer exchange with members of the Tajikistan Armed Forces June 9 - 13, 2025, in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. The engagement was conducted in support of the Department of Defense’s State Partnership Program, in which Virginia and Tajikistan have been formal partners since 2003.
The VNG team was comprised of members from the Virginia Beach-based 329th Regiment Support Group and Joint Force Headquarters, Richmond.
The exchange focused on developing and refining military decision making process practices while fostering collaboration between U.S. and members of the Tajikistan Armed Forces. A total of 20 Tajik participants, representing four sectors of the nation’s defense forces, took part in the exchange, ranging from junior officers to senior colonels.
The exchange took place over five days of progressive instruction culminating in a practical exercise. The first three days focused on MDMP fundamentals, understanding cultural and constitutional differences and how command relationships affect military decision making.
The last two days focused on a practical defensive exercise for Tajik leaders to collaborate across sectors utilizing MDMP principles.
“This exchange marked another successful event in the ongoing partnership, delivering critical decision-making processes while reinforcing collaborative planning among Tajik leaders,” said Maj. Jason Dodge, the VNG’s Deputy Director of Joint Strategy, Plans, and Policy. “The two-way engagement provided valuable insight into each nation’s operational approach while strengthening 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 benefited all parties, from sharing subject matter expertise throughout 200 military-to-military engagements that support 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.