Indiana–Slovakia National Guard Partnership

[2] Since its inception in 1994, the Indiana and Slovakia partnership has grown steadily in its offerings, training events, and personnel.

[5] The two militaries have exchanged troops, techniques and training procedures in over 200 bi-lateral events since partnership began.

Events have included, among other things:[6] In 2004, Slovakia realized the goal it had set from the start of the partnership – full NATO membership.

[7] The advancement of the Slovak military, from a Soviet Era Cold War style force to an ally who is currently fighting alongside our fellow Indiana Guardsmen in Afghanistan is truly remarkable.

We were welcomed not only as allies, but as friends and brothers-in-arms amid the backdrop of a beautiful countryside filled with genuinely hospitable people.2013 Panned Events: MG Umbarger, the Adjutant General of the Indiana National Guard, has taken on five significant initiatives for consideration in the coming years:[10]

Slovakia
Indiana National Guard and Slovak troops train for medical evacuations in Slovakia
Soldiers from Slovakia, the United States, and Australia at a Forward Operating Base in Afghanistan
Indiana Adjutant General and Slovak Chief of Defense shake hands on the steps of the Indiana War Memorial, Indianapolis.
Members of Slovak Armed Forces train with the 181st Intelligence Wing in Indiana
Indiana Guardsmen complete training in Slovakia with members of Slovak Armed Forces
Indiana National Guard family members wait for their Soldiers to return after a 10-month deployment to Afghanistan, December 2011