The Kentucky National Guard and the Djiboutian Armed Forces (FAD) ratified a new partnership at a ceremony in Djibouti City, making Djibouti the first East African nation involved in the National Guard’s State Partnership Program, according to a release. “Having a partnership with Djibouti allows us the opportunity to engage in mutually beneficial exchanges at all levels of the military as well as the civilian world,” said Maj Gen Edward Tonini, Kentucky’s adjutant general. He signed the SPP agreement, together with FAD Maj Gen Zakaria Cheik Ibrahim, Djibouti’s chief of defense, on June 2. “The cooperation between our two countries has strengthened positively and we are very optimistic to see … a considerable expansion of our defense and security cooperation,” said Ibrahim. Djibouti already serves as a key ally to the United States in the Horn of Africa—US forces operate there out of Camp Lemonnier—and cooperates in operations ranging from humanitarian assistance to counterterrorism. Kentucky National Guard soldiers deployed to Djibouti in 2013. Kentucky signed a SPP agreement with Ecuador in 1996.
Pentagon Releases Cost of Living, BAH Rates for 2026
Dec. 30, 2025
The Pentagon will pay cost of living allowances to 127,000 service members in the continental U.S. in 2026, an increase of 66,000 members in 2025. Airmen and Guardians across the U.S. will also receive an average increase of 4.2 percent for their Basic Housing Allowance, compared to the 5.4 percent…
