[2] The partnership was created on March 11, 2011 with the long-term goal of developing the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) and fostering mutually-beneficial interests across all levels of society.

In its declaration of independence, Kosovo committed to fulfilling its obligations under the plan established by UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari, as a fundamental principle of good governance and to welcome a period of international supervision.

Additionally, the Iowa National Guard's public affairs office states that it has been the tradition of Iowa soldiers serving in Kosovo to also engage in nation-building activities on their personal time, such as teaching students English and helping with other types of community betterment projects.

"This course was in development when the NCO leadership of Iowa visited Kosovo in September," Army CSM Rachel Fails said.

[7] In September 2012, a particularly important step in furthering the already strong relationship was taken when Iowa sent a military service member to work full-time in Kosovo to help coordinate projects between the two countries.