Central America militaries grow stronger through relationships with National Guard

When Guatemalan army leaders saw how well American noncommissioned officers work with enlisted soldiers and airmen, the Guatemalans knew exactly what to do: ask the Arkansas National Guard for support.

That request is rooted in relationship: the Arkansas unit first engaged with the Central American country in 2002 through the State Partnership Program. The SPP, a Department of Defense effort funded by Congress, stimulates global security through U.S. cooperation with other countries.

“That’s the Arkansas Guard being part of a big mission,” said Maj. Alex Saenz, Arkansas National Guard.

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