(IMOA) Imagine Pacific Original Article
SPP and COFA, Match Made in the Pacific
By Lt. Col. Marlon Rimando, MD
Hawaii Air National Guard
Imagine Pacific Pulse 7/24/2023
In recognition of its 30th anniversary, it’s fitting that the
United States Department of Defense's State Partnership Program (SPP) is poised
more than ever to conduct capacity-building and empowering engagements in the
Pacific (United States Department of Defense, n.d.).
One such area where this could occur is between the National Guard and the
Compact of Free Association (COFA) nations, including the Federated States of
Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. In
fostering relationships and promoting security cooperation, the SPP can play a
pivotal role in addressing the unique challenges faced by these Pacific island
nations.
One of the primary interests in the region is the increasing
influence of near-peer competitor nations (Asian Bureau of Research, 2017).
As they expand their economic and diplomatic ties with the COFA nations, it
becomes essential for the United States to prioritize its engagement with these
countries. The SPP's efforts in building partnerships can serve as a strategic
counterbalance to their growing influence and help ensure the long-term
stability and development of the COFA nations.
Climate change is another pressing issue that profoundly
affects the COFA nations. Rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and environmental
degradation pose significant threats to these vulnerable island states (Pacific
Islands Forum Secretariat, 2022).
The SPP's focus on environmental protection and sustainability can facilitate
knowledge sharing and technical assistance in climate resilience and resource
management, empowering the COFA nations to tackle climate-related challenges
more effectively.
Moreover, the COFA nations' economic status could benefit
from international support and cooperation. Through the SPP, U.S. states can
provide expertise and resources in areas such as disaster response, healthcare,
education, and economic development (Garamone, 2023).
Working together by utilizing apparatus such as the SPP program, the COFA
nations can access critical support to address their economic vulnerabilities
and foster stronger, more resilient communities.
Furthermore, the SPP's emphasis on global health engagement
offers significant potential for the COFA nations. The National Guard's
experience in responding to public health emergencies can be leveraged to help
Micronesia prepare for and respond to health crises, enhancing its capacity to
address health challenges effectively (Brewington, Kokame, & Lewis, 2021).
A study by the East-West Center showed that Micronesians had significantly
worse Severity of Illness (SOI) for various health-related hospitalizations,
emphasizing the need for support to address disparities (Hagiwara, 2016).
Here is a perfect example where a program like the SPP could and should make a
difference.
In conclusion, the State Partnership Program holds immense
promise as a platform for building resilience in the COFA nations and promoting
lasting relationships between U.S. states and these Pacific allies. Coincidently,
the benefit is mutual with development capacity in COFA nations and preventative
measures in the United States, as the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights reported
more than $1 billion in costs associated with providing service to Micronesians
for Hawaii and adjoining Pacific U.S. Territories (Rights, 2019).
As the region faces growing geopolitical competition and climate change
impacts, the SPP's role in fostering enduring partnerships takes on even
greater significance. Strengthening ties and promoting shared goals, the SPP
can contribute to a more comprehensive and coordinated U.S. approach in the
Pacific, ensuring long-term sustainability and development in the region.
Lt Col Rimando is a graduate of the USAF Air War College and served on numerous State Partnership Program and Global Health Engagements with PACAF, the Hawaii Air National Guard, and the Hawaii National Guard. He is a Flight Surgeon, currently serving as the HING Task Force CBRNE Surgeon for the CERFP. He also works as a MEB Physician with Tripler Army Medical Center.