National Guard European State Partnership Program: Refocusing for Increased Effectiveness and Expanded Missions

摘要

The National Guard State Partnership Program (SPP) links states with partner countries' defense ministries and other governmental agencies, primarily through the vehicle of the states' National Guard forces, for the purpose of improving relations with the United States. The program actively supports the National Military Strategy mandate of shaping the international security environment. However, after ten successful years of partnerships within the USEUCOM theater, combined with a changing national military strategy and shifting priorities, the program is being assessed and adapted to the changing theater. The intent of this paper is to emphasize the continuing importance of the SPP, while being flexible to adapt and assume new roles in support of theater strategy.