Vermont Partnerships

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

March 28, 2024

Burlington City Council Votes Unanimously to Establish Sister City Partnership with Thies-East, Senegal

In a landmark decision on Monday, March 25, 2024, the Burlington City Council voted unanimously to forge a sister city relationship with Thies-East, Senegal. This partnership marks a significant step in bolstering the cultural, academic, environmental, and commercial ties between Vermont and Senegal.

Jan. 25, 2024

Vermont National Guard and Austria forge ahead with new initiatives in the State Partnership Program

In a significant demonstration of support for the strengthening relationship between the Vermont National Guard and Austria, Gen. Daniel Hokanson, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, joined Maj. Gen. Gregory Knight, The Adjutant General of the Vermont National Guard, and Brig. Gen. Tracy Poirier, Director of the Joint Staff, in key meetings with the Austrian Bundesheer leadership.

Oct. 5, 2023

North Macedonia hosts US-Adriatic Charter Conference

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Greg Knight, Vermont adjutant general, and leaders from seven other U.S. states joined their partner nation Chiefs of Defense (CHoD) for the 26th US-Adriatic Charter Chiefs of Defense Conference in Skopje, North Macedonia, on September 27.

Vermont Partnerships

State Partnership Program Video Presentation

Logo

State Partnership Program

National Guard Bureau