History

The State Partnership Program is a Defense Department security cooperation program managed by the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, executed by geographic commands, and sourced by the 54 states, territories, and the District of Columbia.

The SPP evolved from a 1991 U.S. European Command decision to set up the Joint Contact Team Program in the Baltic Region with Reserve component Soldiers and Airmen. A subsequent National Guard Bureau proposal paired U.S. states with three nations emerging from the former Soviet Bloc and the SPP was born, becoming a key U.S. security cooperation tool, facilitating cooperation across all aspects of international civil-military affairs and encouraging people-to-people ties at the state level.

The program directly supports DOD objectives and theater campaign plans by building relationships that enhance global security, understanding, and cooperation. The program fosters long-term relationships across all levels of society and encourages the development of economic, political, and military ties between the states and partner nations.

State Partnership Program Articles

Sept. 21, 2021

Vermont, North Macedonia officials discuss expanding state partnership

The Vermont National Guard hosted a press conference Sept. 21 with North Macedonia Defense Minister Radmila Shekerinska, Vermont Lt. Gov. Molly Gray and Secretary of Commerce and Community Development Lindsay Kurrle to discuss new steps toward increased cooperation between the state and the new NATO ally.

Aug. 18, 2021

Vermont delegation visits state partner North Macedonia

Brig. Gen. Gregory Knight, Vermont Adjutant General, and a delegation of leadership from Vermont visited North Macedonia as part of the State Partnership Program.

July 22, 2021

Senegalese National Fire Brigade visits Vt. for emergency capability demos

From July 11-21, delegates from Senegal’s National Fire Brigade (Brigade Nationale des Sapeurs-Pompiers) visited Vermont as part of the National Guard’s State Partnership Program.

The official logo of the Vermont National Guard.

Vermont Partnerships

State Partnership Program Video Presentation

Logo

State Partnership Program

National Guard Bureau