State Partnership Program: Does the Partnership Between the California National Guard and Ukraine Support the U.S. Engagement Strategy and Is It a Relevant Mission

The end of the Cold War has presented the free world unique opportunities to create new order and security in Europe. The U.S. National Security Strategy advances the notion that global integration will bring stability and it advocates the use of military engagement activities to promote democracy and build relationships with nations that were once our former adversaries. Developing the trust and confidence of both political and military institutions are key to the promotion of democratic ideals. The National Guards State Partnership Program is an engagement tool that exemplifies the democratic process through the citizen-soldier and their connection to the heart of Americas communities. The involvement of the National Guard in helping new nations build democratic institutions is a sound concept that capitalizes on the strengths that Guard members bring through the combination of their military and civilian acquired skills. The reserve component model also offers emerging nations an economical alternative to more costly active forces and conveys a non-threatening defensive posture to their neighbors. The utility of reserve forces in providing military support to civil authorities during emergencies is another benefit demonstrated through partnership engagement activities. The military and civilian contacts conducted through the State Partnership Program offer great potential for building relationships that promote regional stability while providing the Guard opportunities for overseas deployments in a coalition environment. This paper will examine the California National Guards partnership with Ukraine under the U.S. engagement strategy and the benefits associated with this national security objective.