Iowa values ​​partnership with KSF: Over 15 years of cooperation and joint training

During the annual “Condition of the Guard 2026” address, Maj. Gen. Stephen Osborn, Iowa Adjutant General, recognized distinguished guests representing the Iowa National Guard’s partnership with the Kosovo Security Force (KSF).

At this event, Lieutenant General Bashkim Jashari, Commander of the KSF, Commander Sergeant Major Bedri Zuka, the highest non-commissioned officer leader, as well as Drilon Zogaj, Consul General of the Republic of Kosovo in Des Moines, were mentioned.

The Iowa National Guard's announcement emphasized that this cooperation has built mutual capacities and trust over the years, underlining that "the partnership with the KSF has strengthened the interoperability and readiness of both forces."

It was further stated that, for more than 15 years, Iowa soldiers and airmen have worked closely with the KSF to increase interoperability and operational readiness. “During 2025 alone, the partnership included 26 bilateral exchanges with over 500 participants, in areas such as maneuvers, military medicine, logistics, cyber defense and professional development,” the release said.

A significant moment was highlighted when the KSF attached an infantry company to the 2nd Combat Brigade of the 34th Iowa Infantry Division, during its rotation at the Joint Readiness Training Center.

This step, as emphasized, "marks Kosovo's first participation in a large-scale training mission outside its borders."

Also, in 2025, the Iowa National Guard said it recruited its first citizen from Kosovo, Andren Gashi, who joined the 132nd Wing of the Iowa Air Guard as a member of the Security Forces.