Arizona ANG hosts Kazakhstan for first-ever NCO exchange

by 2nd Lt. Susan Gladstein
161st Air Refueling Wing

9/16/2014 - PHOENIX SKY HARBOR AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ariz.  --  The Arizona Air National Guard welcomed seven members of the Kazakhstan military for a noncommissioned officer information exchange here Sept. 8-12 as part of the State Partnership Program.

Since 1994, the Arizona National Guard has partnered with Kazakhstan though the National Guard Bureau's State Partnership Program, which is designed as an information exchange with the purpose of fostering mutual interests and long-term relationships.

"I'm extremely proud that the National Guard is leading the way with the State Partnership Program," said Col. Gary Brewer Jr., 161st Air Refueling Wing commander. "Not only do both countries stand to benefit from the valuable exchange of information, but the relationships and understanding that is fostered in these meetings lay the foundation for a better world for our children."

During the week-long NCO exchange, members of the 161st ARW provided information about the role of enlisted members in the Air Force. Topics discussed throughout the week included the enlisted force structure, promotions, professional military education, performance feedback and evaluation processes and career development. Although the exchange was focused on the enlisted corps, the delegation had the opportunity to speak with Brig. Gen. Kerry Muehlenbeck, Arizona National Guard director of joint staff, who emphasized the important role of our enlisted force.

 "I can speak for everyone on our team when I say that working alongside the Kazakh's to meet common goals and objectives has been one of the highlights of our careers," said Chief Master Sgt. Duncan Hannigan, 161st Operations Group superintendent and NCO in charge of the Kazakhstan NCO exchange. "It has been a pleasure hosting such a great event with a group of outstanding individuals and I look forward to more exchanges in the future."

The Kazakh delegation echoed the chief's sentiments and said the goals of the visit were achieved.

"The Armed Forces of our countries interacted according to the State Partnership Program and the Partnership for Peace program," said Kazakh Col. Karbenov, deputy chief commander of Air Defense on Combat Training. "It is very interesting for us to learn the activities of NCOs in the Armed Forces U.S. I think the information you've provided in the wing will help us to improve the NCO corps in the wings of the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan."

The group also toured the 161st Maintenance and Operations Groups and flew in a Blackhawk helicopter with the Arizona Army National Guard. For one Kazakh NCO, the flight was excellent.

"The flight was awesome," said Kazakh Master Sgt. Shurakhanov, command chief sergeant of the Air Defense Forces. "The [Army] pilots were true professionals and flew very well. I should know, I used to fly in helicopters."

The State Partnership Program's Assistant Coordinator, Army Staff Sgt. Ethan Estey, spoke of the efforts those involved with the delegation.

"Your efforts and actions go far beyond this exchange," Estey said. "Although it may not seem immediately apparent, you have all been operating on an international level. All of you have been indirectly influencing America's foreign policy and the view that others have of America. I have no doubt that this delegation will return to Kazakhstan with good ideas, new plans, and a strong fondness for Americans. In the face of a turbulent world, where aggression and threats of war are constant, all of you have done considerable work to help maintain peace and stability in Central Asia."