The National Guard State Partnership Program : a comparative analysis between the California National Guard and the Missouri National Guard

Abstract

This thesis assesses the U.S. National Guard State Partnership Program through a review of the current and historic interaction between two of thirty -four State: the California National Guard and Ukraine partnership and the Missouri National Guard and Panama Partnership. The two sets of Partnerships are critically analyzed in light of arguments in favor of and arguments against utilizing the U.S. National Guard to conduct the State Partnership Program. Ultimately, it is determined that the National Guard is the only entity capable of bringing together all the key civilian and military players necessary to make the State Partnership Program a success. The thesis presents lessons learned from the last decade along with recommendations for future interaction and research.