WASHINGTON—Today, the Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs convened a hearing titled “The National Guard State Partnership Program: Strengthening U.S. Security, One Partnership at a Time.” This session highlighted the significant role that the National Guard’s State Partnership Program (SPP) plays in fostering regional stability and strengthening U.S. alliances.
Throughout the hearing, members of the subcommittee emphasized the necessity for increased resources and funding for this vital program, which has proven instrumental in enhancing U.S. influence and security on a global scale.
The SPP has built enduring relationships with 115 partner nations, effectively broadening the reach and capability of U.S. military engagement overseas. Christopher Mamaux, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Global Partnerships at the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), underscored the program’s long-standing impact. He noted, “For over 30 years, the SPP has been developing relationships, increasing cooperation across the globe. It is a simple and yet effective concept, pairing a state or territory’s national guard with a partner nation to foster long-term, mutually beneficial relationships while enhancing joint military capabilities and readiness.”
Major General William J. Edwards from the National Guard Bureau described the SPP as a unique tool for security cooperation: “It is the only security cooperation program that delivers sustained, enduring relationships with our partners that our competitors simply cannot match.”
Major General Robin B. Stilwell from the South Carolina National Guard provided concrete examples of the SPP’s effectiveness. He highlighted the strong relationship between the South Carolina National Guard and Colombia, indicating that they participate in around 40 SPP events annually. These engagements include collaborative training and initiatives that significantly enhance military readiness—in one recent initiative, Colombia saw a remarkable increase in helicopter readiness rates due to SPP support.
The SPP is renowned for delivering high-value security cooperation at a fraction of the cost of traditional military endeavors. Major General Edwards reported that the FY 2025 operating budget for the SPP is approximately $55 million, a sum that enables more than 1,000 international engagements annually. This budget also supported the addition of eight partner nations to the program, reinforcing its effectiveness on a global scale.
In his opening remarks, Subcommittee Chairman William Timmons (R-S.C.) stressed the need for Congress to assess the funding provided to the SPP. He pointed out that although the SPP constitutes just one percent of the overall defense security cooperation budget, it accounts for nearly thirty percent of all military engagements with allies.
“It is my hope that this hearing will highlight the necessity of enhanced funding for the State Partnership Program and the vital mission it supports,” Timmons stated.
Mr. Mamaux further elaborated on the strategic importance of the program, noting that deepening existing relationships is crucial for maximizing taxpayer value. He identified the Indo-Pacific region as a key area where prioritized partnerships can contribute to U.S. strategic interests, especially in deterring aggressions from countries like China.
During the hearing, several members posed questions related to the program’s funding and its alignment with American interests. Subcommittee Chairman Timmons asked Mamaux about the SPP’s role in helping the U.S. compete with adversaries such as China and Russia. Mamaux responded by emphasizing the program’s unmatched ability to build enduring relationships, stating, “Neither China nor Russia have a program that’s even remotely similar.”
Rep. John McGuire (R-Va.) raised concerns regarding the funding for partnerships, questioning how the U.S. would handle partnerships with nations that ceased to align with U.S. interests. Mamaux explained that while there is no formal process for severing partnerships, nations deviating from shared interests often become “dormant,” receiving no funds or training.
Furthermore, Rep. McGuire sought clarification on whether the current funding levels are sufficient to support strategic partnerships. Mamaux affirmed that there are ongoing efforts to ensure partnerships are mutually beneficial, with both the U.S. and partner nations contributing towards capacities.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) inquired about how Congress could assist in securing resources for the National Guard. Major General Edwards echoed the sentiment that predictability in funding would greatly enhance planning and execution of critical engagements within the SPP.
In conclusion, the hearing underscored the SPP’s vital role in bolstering U.S. security interests and fostering international relationships. With calls for increased resources and funding, Congress appears poised to reassess and potentially enhance support for this impactful program.
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