Chief of the United States National Guard Bureau Visited Finland

The Chief of the United States National Guard Bureau, General Steven S. Nordhaus, visited Finland 14-16 September. The visit was hosted by the Chief of Defence Command Finland, Lieutenant General Vesa Virtanen. The programme included a meeting with the Commander of the Defence Forces, General Janne Jaakkola, and General Nordhaus also visited the Coastal Brigade in Upinniemi. This was General Nordhaus’ first visit to Finland.

Chief of the Defence Command, Lieutenant General Vesa Virtanen emphasizes that the visit highlighted the cooperation between our countries and the importance of dialogue.

– It is significant that the Chief of the United States National Guard Bureau visits Finland in the current security situation.  The visit offered an opportunity for in-depth conversations on current issues and opportunity for further deepening our cooperation.  At the same time, it is important that we can offer our important ally an insight into the Finnish defence system and into our national defence principles, Lieutenant General Virtanen says.

The National Guard Bureau (NGB) is a federal agency responsible for the administration of the National Guard and the use of its resources.   The task of the National Guard Bureau is to ensure that the personnel of the Army and Air National Guards are trained, equipped and ready to protect the U.S homeland, to assist civilian authorities and to be deployed to international duties. The Chief of the National Guard Bureau is an  advisor to the President of the United States, the Secretary of War and other leadership in matters pertaining to the National Guard.

General Steven S. Nordhaus is the 30th Chief of the United States National Guard Bureau and he is also a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In addition to his advisory role, General Nordhaus is also the Department of War’s official channel of communication to the Governors and State Adjutants General on all matters pertaining to the National Guard. He is responsible for ensuring the more than 433,000 Army and Air National Guard personnel are accessible, capable and ready to protect the U.S. homeland and provide combat ready resources to the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force.