Michigan National Guard joins West African partners for military legal exchange

Members of the Michigan Air National Guard participated in a weeklong State Partnership Program engagement in Monrovia, Liberia, during the first week of September 2026. The program brought together military legal professionals from the Armed Forces of Liberia, the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, and the Nigerian Armed Forces to exchange expertise on military justice and the rule of law.

Discussions focused on critical aspects of military legal frameworks, including the administration of justice, courts-martial, individual rights, due process, and professional ethics. The engagement aimed to strengthen institutional links and support efforts to enhance military legal oversight and discipline across the participating West African nations and their partnership with the United States.

In addition to technical exchanges, the delegation visited various military units and engaged with Liberia's legal community to gain insight into both military and civilian legal institutions. Lt. Col. David L. Hunter of the 110th Wing noted that the engagement serves to build trust and strengthen regional relationships through direct collaboration.