West Virginia National Guard (WVNG) Adjutant General James “Jim” Seward traveled to Doha, Qatar, this week to meet with Qatar Armed Forces (QAF) counterparts as part of a series of key leader engagements meant to reinforce and elevate the relationships built between the militaries since their National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program (SPP) pairing was formalized in 2018.
“Qatar has been an anchor of U.S. friendship and presence in the region," Seward said. “West Virginia is honored to champion bilateral and multilateral priority efforts for our two nations as we share a common interest in prevailing against complex regional security challenges and increasing interoperability on a global stage.”
While the talks marked the first visit to Qatar for Seward, who was appointed WVNG Adjutant General in February of 2025, he previously hosted Qatar National Service Academy (NSA) military leaders in May at Joint Forces Headquarters and Camp Dawson, West Virginia.
During that visit, the WVNG provided Brig. Gen. Salem Al Hababi, NSA Commander, with a full-spectrum capabilities brief, training area tour and planning sessions for future joint training endeavors. Leadership of the NSA returned the hospitality Sep. 16, 2025, with an NSA tour and capabilities demonstrations.
At the invitation of Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) Commander, Maj. Gen. (Pilot) Mohammed Al Dosari, Seward and staff, including Assistant Adjutant General – Air, Brig. Gen. David “DC” Cochran, visited Al Udeid Air Base for talks on desired 2026 C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster aircraft training engagements in West Virginia. Cochran was given a base tour of QEAF F-15QA Ababil fighter aircraft facilities the following day.
“Al Udeid Air Base is a vital part of our state and national partnership and bilateral military cooperation,” said Seward. “The United States has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Qatar here at Al Udeid for many years and continues to stand firm alongside them.”
U.S. Airmen with the WVANG’s 167th Airlift Wing deployed to Al Udeid also welcomed a visit from Seward and Cochran, who praised the resilience and strength of the small contingent.
“It’s rewarding, hearing the dialogue about the work that you’ve been putting in over here,” Cochran said while addressing his Airmen. “The emphasis on mil-to-mil relationships that we’ve been developing over the last five years, it’s showing up big time. You’re part of that, every day.”
The key leader engagements also included several discussions on future bilateral priorities, including continuing WVNG support in building capabilities enhancing Qatar's NATO interoperability and navigation of NATOs Operational Capabilities Concept (OCC) program.
Earlier this year QAF elements concluded the OCC program’s second NATO Evaluation Level., Participating units included a Qatar Emiri Land Force mechanized infantry company and a Qatar Military Police Force company. WVNG leaders also visited the Qatar Multidimensional Warfare Training Center (MDIWTC), a NATO-certified Partnership Training and Education Center (PTEC), and the Qatar Military Police Force headquarters, where a WVNG contingent was also conducting a Subject Matter Expert Exchange focused on MP integration of communication, movement and equipment needed for counterterrorism operations.
“We are grateful for Qatar’s continued support for and hosting of U.S. forces, particularly our West Virginia National Guard, both long-term at Al Udeid and for training and planning trips as part of our National Guard State Partnership Program,” said Seward.
“While the travel across the globe isn’t always smooth, the personal relationships we build and opportunities for cultural, social and economic partnerships make every mile worth it,” he said. “Qatari hospitality is second to none.”