Wyoming National Guard Hosts Tunisian Delegation for NCO Leadership Exchange

The Wyoming National Guard recently welcomed a delegation from the Tunisian Armed Forces for a weeklong noncommissioned officer (NCO) development exchange, reinforcing a two-decade military partnership through the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program (SPP), DVIDS reports.

The exchange focused on showcasing the US Army’s approach to NCO leadership development and fostering mutual understanding between the two military organizations. Through tours, workshops, and peer-to-peer discussions, the Tunisian delegation gained insight into how the US military empowers its NCOs to take on leadership responsibilities and support mission readiness.

Staff Sgt. Eric Wenner, a civil affairs senior sergeant assigned to US Africa Command’s Office of Security Cooperation Tunisia, emphasized that the exchange offered practical demonstrations of US military practices that could be adapted by Tunisia.

“It’s about giving them tools to develop their own NCOs and increase overall capability in a way that mirrors what we’ve done in the US,” Wenner said.

The visit highlighted both the strengths and challenges of Tunisia’s armed forces. While considered a capable force within the region, limited funding and infrastructure continue to present obstacles. Wenner noted that exposure to US systems and procedures helps generate ideas for achieving greater efficiency with existing resources.

Key components of the exchange included tours of Wyoming National Guard facilities and NCO-led workshops focusing on leadership philosophy, mentorship, and operational decision-making. These elements were designed not only to share tactical knowledge but also to promote independent thinking among enlisted personnel—an essential feature of US civil affairs and military operations.

“We’d like to share that same concept with Tunisia—training their enlisted soldiers to operate independently without always needing direct orders,” Wenner explained.

Tunisia has been working to professionalize its NCO Corps, and exchanges like this provide valuable real-world context to support that evolution. The in-person experience, Wenner added, allows for a deeper level of engagement and trust-building than briefings or reports alone can offer.

The Wyoming National Guard and the Tunisian Armed Forces have been partnered through the State Partnership Program since 2004. This initiative connects US states with foreign militaries to promote mutual understanding, regional security, and long-term collaboration.

“The goal here is to grow the partnership and strengthen our relationship through a better understanding of each military’s capabilities,” Wenner said. “It’s about progressing together in an efficient and cooperative manner.”