State Partnership Program

The State Partnership Program began 30 years ago after the breakup of the Soviet Union to help countries emerging from behind the Iron Curtain. It now pairs 100 nations with National Guards from every state and U.S. territories to increase regional security and advance U.S. interests. It is a cost-effective Department of Defense National Guard Bureau program executed by Geographic Combatant Commands, guided by State Department foreign policy goals and U.S. Chief of Mission security cooperation objectives. The program produces enduring relationships that improve interoperability and enhance U.S. access and influence while increasing the readiness of U.S. and partner forces to meet emerging challenges.