South Africa Partnership

The New York National Guard’s relationship with South Africa was established in 2003 and is the first and longest SPP Partnership in Africa of the 16 partnerships among U.S. states and African nations. The New York National Guard and South African forces have engaged in partnership events together since 2003, executing bilateral events to include military and civilian engagements to promote regional stability in Africa.

New York National Guard leadership conducts regular visits to South Africa for discussions with representatives of the South African National Defense Force. Since 2003, the two partners have conducted more than 70 joint training events and exchanges. A significant highlight of the state partnership is the regular participation of the New York Air National Guard in the bi-Annual African Aerospace and Defense Air Show held at Air Force Base Waterkloof, located on the outskirts of Pretoria, South Africa.

Other engagements include New York Army and Air National Guard participation in the South African National Defense Force Combat Rifle and Soldier Skills Competitions, New York Army National Guard Military Police officers visiting the South African military police training center, firefighter exchanges, and specialty staff, chaplaincy, and family readiness engagements.