New York National Guard Enters State Partnership with Sweden

Maj. Gen. Raymond Shields, the adjutant general of New York, and Marcos Soler, New York State’s deputy secretary for public safety, signed a document formalizing the agreement with Sweden Minister for Defence Pal Jonson and Maj. Gen. Johan Pekkari, chief of the Swedish Defence Staff’s Strategy Unit.

“We are ushering in a new partnership for the Empire State, welcoming the Kingdom of Sweden to the New York National Guard’s State Partnership Program,“ Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “Our shared values, focus and commitment to the partnership will build relationships and improve capabilities for both our military forces. I look forward to the opportunities ahead.”

The New York National Guard and Sweden will conduct joint training missions and military exchanges to improve readiness within their respective forces.

The partnership is the latest in the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau program that pairs state National Guards with the militaries of foreign countries, including some NATO allies.

“On March 7, 2024, Sweden became the 32nd member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization – NATO,” Shields said. “Allies, friends and partners are stronger together than they are individually — especially against those who want to destroy freedom and independence.”

Jonson said the partnership “will not only enhance operational abilities, it will also strengthen the bonds of friendship and a new understanding between our forces and our countries.

“This is a big moment for us, and we are honored to be here,“ Jonson said. “This partnership will be driven by the mutual need of capability developments.”