Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) Rotation 23-07

May 17, 2023

US, Colombian armies strengthen partnership during training rotation

FORT POLK, Louisiana — The United States and Colombian armies are continually looking for ways to further strengthen the already rich partnership they share. The latest example of this comes as an infantry company from the Colombian Army was embedded with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, alongside U.S. Soldiers from the 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade, during a recent Joint Readiness Training Center rotation at Fort Polk, Louisiana.

A soldier from Lithuania's Uhlan Battalion guides a Vilkas infantry fighting vehicle during a visit by Pennsylvania National Guard Soldiers from 1st Squadron, 104th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, May 4, 2023, in Alytus, Lithuania.

May 16, 2023

Pennsylvania Guard, Lithuania Conduct Partnership Exchange

FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. — Pennsylvania National Guard Soldiers conducted engagements in Lithuania with their counterparts from the Lithuanian Armed Forces.Soldiers from 1st Squadron, 104th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, participated in a reconnaissance and security operations class, while Soldiers from the Fort Indiantown Gap Training Center helped the Lithuanians develop a new training area.

Lt. Col. Gordon Kinneer, second from left, commander, 1st Squadron, 104th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, and Maj. Rich Fowler, left, 1-104th Cav. executive officer, meet with soldiers from Lithuania's Uhlan Battalion May 4, 2023, in Alytus, Lithuania. (Courtesy photo)

May 16, 2023

Pa. Guard Soldiers discuss reconnaissance, security operations with SPP partner Lithuania

FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. — A team of Pennsylvania National Guard Soldiers recently visited Lithuania where they conducted several engagements with their counterparts from the Lithuanian Armed Forces.

A large plane is parked with its ramp down on a tarmac as cargo is loaded.

May 15, 2023

Ukrainian Tank Crews, Maintainers to Begin Training on U.S. M1 Abrams in Germany Soon

Grafenwoehr, Germany — The Defense Department announced the arrival of 31 M1 Abrams tanks to Grafenwoehr, Germany, in preparation for U.S.-led training of Ukrainian tank crews and maintainers.

New York National Guard 1st Sgt. Amanda Eldred, assigned to the 466 Medical Company, Area Support, reviews a medical bag with Brazilian Army Soldiers during a planning conference for Operation Parana in Foz do Iguazu, Brazil, May 3, 2023. The joint training event in August involves international participation to strengthen partnerships and improve interoperability in the event of a natural disaster in South America.

May 12, 2023

New York Army Guard Leaders Plan Exercise with Brazil

FOZ DO IGUAZU, Brazil — Two New York Army National Guard leaders visited State Partnership Program partner Brazil May 1-5 to lay the groundwork for Guard participation in a Brazilian disaster response exercise in August.

U.S.-Philippines Agree to Modernize, Strengthen Alliance

May 3, 2023

U.S.-Philippines Agree to Modernize, Strengthen Alliance

WASHINGTON — The United States and the Philippines will continue the fundamental work needed to modernize and strengthen the alliance between the two nations, said Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. today at the Pentagon.

Lithuania air force Capt. Matas Leckas and Capt. Valius Urbonas became the first Lithuanian pilots to graduate from the UH-60M Aviator Qualification Course at the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence during a ceremony at Fort Novosel, Alabama, April 4, 2023.

April 17, 2023

Lithuanian Partners Complete U.S. Army Flight Course

FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. — Lithuania air force Capt. Matas Leckas and Capt. Valius Urbonas became the first Lithuanian pilots to graduate from the UH-60M Aviator Qualification Course at the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence at Fort Novosel, Alabama, April 4.

Leaders Discuss Partnership Between U.S., Philippines

April 12, 2023

Leaders Discuss Partnership Between U.S., Philippines

WASHINGTON — U.S. and Philippine leaders met today to discuss the nations' military, economic and humanitarian partnership at a meeting in Washington.

Advisors from 5th SFAB pose with Mongolian students during the Junior Sergeant Course held in Mongolia, Winter 2022-2023. SFAB Advisors partnered with and mentored Mongolian students during this NCO education course during their six months they were employed in Mongolia.

April 10, 2023

US Army Advisors Strengthen Partnership in Mongolia

ZUUNMOD, Mongolia — ZUUNMOD, Mongolia – Two Advisor Teams from 2nd Battalion, 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade partnered with the Mongolian Land Forces Command during a multi-month rotation into theater beginning in October 2022, focused on strengthening Mongolia’s peacekeeping operations and Non-Commissioned Officer development initiatives.

Virginia National Guard Soldiers conduct an infantry tactics exchange and countering unmanned air systems exchange with the Republic of Tajikistan March 7-11, 2022, in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. They were conducted in support of the Department of Defense’s State Partnership Program, in which Virginia and Tajikistan have been partners since 2003. (Courtesy) (Courtesy)

April 5, 2023

Virginia National Guard, Tajikistan conduct SPP exchange

DUSHANBE, Tajikistan — Virginia National Guard Soldiers shared infantry tactics and how to counter unmanned air systems with the Republic of Tajikistan March 7-11 in an information exchange as part of the Defense Department’s State Partnership Program. Virginia and Tajikistan have been partners under the program since 2003. The infantry tactics exchange team, which included Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 183rd Regiment, Regional Training Institute, conducted the five-day event at a military installation in Dushanbe.

U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Thaddeus Harrington, 29th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Maryland National Guard, instructs Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH) service members on camera functionality during a public affairs workshop March 27, 2023, at the Army Hall in downtown Sarajevo. Subject matter experts from the MDNG demonstrated photo, video, writing and social media techniques.

April 3, 2023

Maryland Guard Conducts Public Affairs Workshop for SPP Partner

SARAJEVO, Bosnia and Herzegovina — A joint team from the Maryland National Guard facilitated a public affairs workshop for Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH) service members March 27-31 at the Army Hall in downtown Sarajevo.

A soldier sits inside a combat vehicle.

March 30, 2023

DOD Official Says Training for Ukrainians Is Ongoing

WASHINGTON — The U.S. will continue to provide training and work closely with allies and partners to ensure the Ukrainian people have the security assistance they need to defend their country, Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said.

Oregon Army National Guardsmen of 3-116 Cavalry unit, Charlie Company, and Bangladesh Army counterparts carry a local role player on a litter during cordon and search operations training as part of Exercise Tiger Lightning 2023 near Dhaka, Bangladesh March 9, 2023. The training prepares Bangladesh military members for peacekeeping missions to Africa.

March 27, 2023

Oregon Guard, Bangladesh Army Train During Tiger Lightning

GAZIPUR, Bangladesh — Members of the Oregon National Guard, the 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, and Civil Affairs and Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams trained with their Bangladesh counterparts during Exercise Tiger Lightning 2023. “Tiger Lighting is a bilateral exercise where we focus on partnership and

Sgt. Thomas Marvin of HHC, 2nd Battalion, 113th Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New Jersey Army National Guard, supervises tactical combat casualty care training scenarios with members of the Albanian Armed Forces at Land Forces Headquarters, Zall-Herr, Tirana, Albania, March 9, 2023, as part of the State Partnership Program. The New Jersey Guard sent more than 40 service members to collaborate with their subject-matter counterparts in the AAF.

March 14, 2023

New Jersey National Guard Medical Team Trains with Albania

ZALL-HERR, TIRANA, Albania — New Jersey Air and Army National Guard medical branches trained with Albanian Armed Forces Light Infantry Battle Group members March 5-10 as part of the State Partnership Program.  The New Jersey Guard sent more than 40 service members to collaborate with their subject matter counterparts in the AAF.The medical group shared best practices on

Maj. Gen. Kerry Muehlenbeck, commander of the Arizona National Guard, seated at left, signs an official partnership decree with Vice Admiral Abdullah bin Khamis Al-Raisi, chief of staff of the Sultan's Armed Forces, during a ceremony in Muscat, Oman, solidifying Oman as a partner with the state of Arizona under the State Partnership Program. The SPP links a state’s National Guard with armed forces of a partner country in a cooperative, mutually beneficial relationship.

March 13, 2023

Arizona Guard, Oman Partner in State Partnership Program

MUSCAT, Oman — The Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, Arizona National Guard, and the Sultanate of Oman’s Ministry of Defense signed a State Partnership Program agreement March 13, becoming partners in the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau program.

OMAN (February 23, 2023) – U.S. Marines assigned to Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Central Command (FASTCENT) and members of the Royal Oman Police Special Task unit approach their objective building during the final demonstration in exercise Invincible Sentry 23 in Oman Feb. 23. IS23 is a recurring exercise held with different partner nations each year within U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility to evaluate the readiness and capabilities of U.S. and Omani forces responding to a regional emergency. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin McDonald)

March 10, 2023

Oman and U.S. Forces to Conduct Exercise Invincible Sentry

TAMPA, Fla. — Omani and U.S. military personnel participated in a military exercise designed to improve interoperability and strengthen the enduring partnership between our two friendly nations while promoting regional security.

Soldiers use tanks to hoist portable bridges

March 3, 2023

U.S. Sends Ukraine $400 Million in Military Equipment

WASHINGTON — The United States will transfer military equipment worth up to $400 million to Ukraine to aid its defense against the Russian invasion, Defense Department officials said.

Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson, chief, National Guard Bureau, talks with Norwegian troops during a visit to Norway for the signing of a Department of Defense National Guard State Partnership Program security cooperation agreement between Norway and the Minnesota National Guard, Brekstad, Orland, Norway, Feb. 16, 2023. This image was acquired using a cellular device.

Feb. 21, 2023

Norway Adds Top-tier Military Experience to State Partnership Program

TRONDHEIM, Norway — Celebrating a half-century of training together last week, Norway and the Minnesota National Guard strengthened ties by formally pairing in the Department of Defense National Guard State Partnership Program.

New Jersey Army National Guard Sgt. Thomas Kwiatkowski of 1st Detachment, 3rd Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, collaborates with Albanian Armed Forces forward observers on fundamentals of operations, at Land Forces Headquarters, Zall-Herr, Tirana, Albania, Feb. 6, 2023.

Feb. 17, 2023

New Jersey Guard Assists State Partner Albania in NCO Development

TIRANA, Albania — The New Jersey National Guard and Albanian Armed Forces resumed military-to-military training at Land Forces Headquarters Feb. 5-9. 

Tactical vehicles lined in rows.

Feb. 3, 2023

Air Defense Systems, Long-Range Fires Capability to be Sent to Ukraine

WASHINGTON — The Defense Department announced a new package of security assistance for Ukraine.  

Sgt. 1st Class Justin Babb takes part in close quarters battle rehearsals with members of the Royal Thai Army. Babb is part of an SFAB Team assigned to Force Package 23-1, the 5th SFAB's forward-deployed element.

Jan. 30, 2023

U.S. Army Advisors Strengthen Partnership in Thailand

NAKHON NAYOK, Thailand — NAKHON NAYOK, Thailand – Three Advisor Teams from 2nd Battalion, 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade partnered with the Royal Thai Army across Thailand during a multi-month rotation into theater beginning in October 2022. The three teams employed into Thailand are: Company Advisor Team 5230, Maneuver Advisor Team 5221, and Logistics Advisor Team 5622, offering a multi-disciplinary advisory capability to their RTA partners.

U.S. Provides PHO 118 Million Grant to Support 5G Deployment in the Philippines

Jan. 23, 2023

U.S. Provides PHO 118 Million Grant to Support 5G Deployment in the Philippines

MANILA, U.S. Embassy in the Philippines — The United States government, through the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), is providing NOW Telecom Company, Inc. a Php 118 million ($2.15 million) grant to fund a feasibility study for the development of reliable and secure nationwide 5G mobile and broadband networks in the Philippines.

Jan. 12, 2023

U.S. and Japanese Leaders Chart Path to Strengthen 'Cornerstone' Alliance

WASHINGTON — U.S. and Japanese security officials have announced a series of initiatives that will strengthen the alliance between the two nations and help guarantee a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Map of Ukraine

Dec. 21, 2022

Ukraine Getting Patriot Battery, Other Defense Weapons

WASHINGTON — The Defense Department announced $1.85 billion in additional security assistance for Ukraine, including a Patriot air defense battery and munitions.

Army Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles, the adjutant general of the Mississippi National Guard, showcases a traditional wood plate presented from Uzbekistan Foreign Minister Vladimir Norov during a reception at the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Washington Dec. 12, 2022. The Guard and Uzbekistan celebrated the 10-year anniversary of their partnership under the Defense Department National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program.

Dec. 21, 2022

Mississippi, Republic of Uzbekistan Celebrate 10-Year Partnership

WASHINGTON — The Mississippi National Guard and the Republic of Uzbekistan celebrated the 10th anniversary of joining forces under the State Partnership Program during a reception at the Uzbekistan Embassy Dec. 12.  Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles, adjutant general, and other senior leaders from the Mississippi Army and Air National Guard attended to commemorate the