Third Army commanding general visits Tajikistan

Photo By Sgt. Maj. Shelia Fourman | Lt. Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, Third Army/ARCENT commanding general, and his staff conducted their first visit to Tajikistan since taking command. He met with Tajikistan National Guard key leaders Nov. 20-21. The discussions reflected shared interests between the two countries, especially in confronting terrorists, narcotics smuggling and the need for military training and equipment in Tajikistan. Third Army is strengthening ties by educating, inspiring, and building relationships with partner nations through joint operations. Key leader engagements are critical for building and sustaining relationships that contribute to regional stability.  

DUSHANBE, TAJIKISTAN

11.30.2011

Story by Staff Sgt. Shelia Fourman 

13th Public Affairs Detachment

DUSHANBE, Tajikistan - Lt. Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, Third Army/ARCENT commanding general, conducted his first visit since taking command with key leaders here Nov. 20-21.

During his visit, Lt. Gen. Brooks, an Alexandria, Va., native, attended several meetings with the U.S. Ambassador to Tajikistan Ken Gross, the Ministry of Defense, Tajikistan’s National Guard, and the State Committee for National Security, to establish and build better relationships as well as to discuss the Third Army/ARCENT role in improving Tajikistan's ability to confront terrorists and secure its borders.

"Tajikistan is one of our most important partners in Central Asia,” said Lt. Gen. Brooks. "Not only do they support the movement of critical supplies into Afghanistan, they have opened the door to improving cooperation on countering terrorism and narcotics smuggling."

In the course of the meetings, the threat of terrorism, which has the potential to disrupt life in Tajikistan because of its border with Afghanisan, was a major point of discussion.

"Tajikistan is looking to expand its multinational relationships, especially with the U.S.," said Col. Charles Pfaff, Third Army/ARCENT International Military Affairs.

Lt. Gen. Brooks also commented on the similarities between the U.S. and Tajikistan’s fight against terrorism.

"We have many things in common, and fighting terrorists is just one example," Lt. Gen. Brooks said during his meeting with Gen.-Maj. Rahmonaliev Rajabali Fayzalievich, commander, Tajikistan National Guard.

Tajikistan gained independence with the fall of the Soviet Union more than 15 years ago, only to endure a bloody five-year civil war. The Russian Federation was secured the Tajik-Afghan border until 2005, at which point the government of Tajikistan assumed the difficult task of defending its border against terrorist forces and narcotics smugglers. Much of the challenge is due to the mountainous terrain and Tajikistan's limited military capabilities.

"Through our security cooperation programs, ARCENT will play a vital role in developing Tajikistan's ability to confront our shared challenges," states Pfaff.

With the help of Third Army, the Tajikistan military has trained alongside U.S. soldiers.

"We conducted more than 10 training events with CENTCOM soldiers, and as a result, Tajikistan’s soldiers are considered the highest trained soldiers in this area," said Gen. Rahmonaliev.

Third Army's roles in joint training events help build stronger relationships between these partnering nations.

"This country is very important to the U.S.," Lt. Gen. Brooks said to Gen. Rahmonaliev. "Our joint operations make our armies closer."

Besides joint training events, Tajikistan has provided support to the U.S. and its troops during the war in Afghanistan.

"Tajikistan has done so much to help us with our operations in Afghanistan, and we are honored to work with you," Lt. Gen. Brooks said to Gen-Lt. Ramil Nadirov, Chief of General Staff.

As 2014 approaches and U.S troops withdraw from Afghanistan, Tajikistan, as one of the bordering countries, will face many challenges.

We need to strengthen our ties because when the troops withdraw from Afghanistan, our country may be put under more pressure, said Gen. Rahmonaliev.

After the meeting, gifts were exchanged and all participants were pleased to have had the chance to meet and talk about joint operations.

"It takes a team to get the job done, and I look forward to working with you," Lt. Gen. Brooks said.

With visits like these, the Third Army is strengthening ties by educating, inspiring, and building relationships with our partner nations through joint operations and training events.

"This trip opened a number of opportunities to cooperate on border security and counter terrorism," Pfaff stated.

• Date Taken: 11.30.2011
• Date Posted: 11.30.2011 00:10
• Story ID: 80690
• Location: DUSHANBE, TJ