National Guardsmen Participate in Regional Cooperation 22 > US Central Command > News Article View

DUSHANBE, Tajikistan — The annual “Regional Cooperation 22” military exercise, hosted by Tajikistan and National Guardsmen from Arizona, Massachusetts, Virginia and Montana, held its opening ceremony on August 10.

Participants from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia and Pakistan take part in a six-day command post and field training exercise aimed at enhancing regional security and stability , to increase national capacities and commitment to prevent weapons of mass destruction, terrorist and narcotic elements. In addition, exercises such as “Regional Cooperation 22” will help develop and improve the interoperability of regional defense and US forces in international peace operations and information sharing.

“This is an unprecedented opportunity to strengthen partnerships and strengthen our ability to work together,” Ambassador John Mark Pommersheim, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Tajikistan, said during the exercise.

Throughout the exercise, the multinational team of approximately 350 service members from the United States and partner nations will develop a combined military response to several potential scenarios. The training began with three days of theoretical courses focusing on the military decision-making process and will be followed by six days of scenario-based training. The exercise will allow participants to improve their proficiency in operational military planning while strengthening relationships between the United States and regional partners.

The United States and Central and South Asian countries have participated in the annual RC exercise since 2004, and 2022 marks the sixth time Tajikistan has hosted the event.