Tennessee Guard strengthens Bulgarian partnership during overseas exercise

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Members of the Tennessee Nationwide Guard’s Joint Adaptive Battle Workers participated alongside Bulgarian Armed Forces throughout the worldwide NATO train, Viking 22, from March 28 to April 7 in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Bulgaria has labored alongside the Tennessee Nationwide Guard within the State Partnership Program for nearly 30 years, and requested Tennessee to supply assist within the space of home operations. 5 Tennessee Guardsman, with years of expertise in emergency administration, traveled to Sofia to coach with the Bulgarians on catastrophe response whereas additionally studying from allied companions.

Viking workout routines have occurred about each 4 years since its begin in 1999. Since its inception, it has included NATO allies and companions from over 50 nations. Initially created to assist foster “NATO’s Partnership for Peace” initiative, it is named the most important peacekeeping operation train on the planet.

“Our Nationwide Guard, particularly right here in Tennessee, holds a plethora of expertise with home operations,” mentioned Lt. Col. Dallas Clements, Tennessee Nationwide Guard’s Deputy Director of Navy Assist. “Each time we get to work with the Bulgarians it strengthens our partnership by constructing these relationships and reminds them that as NATO allies, we’re right here for them.”

This yr, the train centered on a fictitious nation affected by a civil warfare and humanitarian disaster. Allied nations and non-governmental organizations labored collectively to determine a peacekeeping plan to supply humanitarian help.

Train members included personnel from Brazil, Bulgaria, Finland, Qatar, Sweden, and a number of non-governmental organizations; in addition to 5 members of the Tennessee Nationwide Guard.

The Bulgarian Armed Forces and the Tennessee Nationwide Guard have been working collectively as a part of the Division of Protection’s State Partnership Program since 1993. The 2 organizations have carried out greater than 550 coaching occasions for the reason that partnership started. Bulgaria joined NATO in 2004 and the European Union in 2007. Bulgarian protection officers have credited their relationship with Tennessee with serving to Bulgaria obtain compatibility with its NATO counterparts.

“We connect nice significance to our relationship with the Tennessee Nationwide Guard,” mentioned Bulgarian Armed Forces Col. Dimcho Zhechev, Government Department Chief for the Bulgarian Ministry of Protection Operations and Coaching Directorate. “Their experience contributed to the distinctive studying surroundings the place members developed expertise and purchased new information within the interactions throughout the train.”

The connection between Tennessee and Bulgaria is mutually helpful. Collaborating in joint workout routines alongside Bulgaria supplies nice expertise for Tennesseans.

“We study quite a bit from how they do issues as properly,” mentioned Clements. “It’s a win-win; the relationships we’ve got solid will solely assist us strengthen our organizations as we transfer ahead.”