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MINISTRY OF DEFENCE OF GEORGIA
PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
2011
2
2011
MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT OF GEORGIA TODAY
Official Visits
Celeste Wallander
in Cadets Military Lyceum
Visit to the Republic of Armenia
The Minister of Defence of Georgia Bacho Akhalaia paid an
official visit to the Republic of Armenia on April 19. In the framework of the official visit he met with his Armenian counterpart
Seyran Ohanyan and the President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan. An
expanded meeting was also held with the participation of the representatives of the Defence Ministries of Georgia and Armenia.
The meeting was attended by the defence ministers, their deputies,
the leadership of the Armed Forces and the heads of various departments. The main topics of discussion at the meeting were the
ongoing defence reforms, participation in international missions
and military education. The Georgian Defense Minister offered to
share with his Armenian counterpart his ten years of experience
participating in the international operations. He also informed his
colleague about the plan to establish a regional training center in
Georgia, where Georgian military servicemen, military units at the
battalion level from Armenia, the countries of the Caucasus, the
Black Sea and the central Asian regions will be trained in international operations. According to the statement of the Georgian Minister of Defense, the preparation of units by joint exercises will be
more effective in terms of sparing time and financial resources in
comparison to other European training centers. Bacho Akhalaia
expressed his readiness to provide training to the Armenian military servicemen at Sachkhere Mountain Training School, which
has been awarded the status of a NATO “Partnership for Peace”
training and educational centre. The Armenian Defense Ministry
showed the Georgian delegation the Vazgen Sarkisyan Military
Institute and briefed them on the educational system of the military personnel and their living conditions.
Visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan
Minister of Defense of Georgia Bacho Akhalaia paid an official visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan on May 17. The Georgian
minister held meetings with his Azeri counterpart Colonel General
Safar Abiyev and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Heydar Oglu
Aliyev.
During the meetings, the main topics discussed were the reliable and stable relations within the region and the defence reforms
achieved between Georgia and Azerbaijan, including military education. Georgian Defense Minister Bacho Akhalaia offered his
Azeri counterpart the opportunity to train the military servicemen
of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces at the Sachkhere Mountain Training School.
The Georgian side expressed its readiness to share their experience of participating in the international peacekeeping missions to
their Azeri colleagues. In the framework of the visit, the Georgian
defense minister laid a wreath at the cemetery of Heydar Aliyev
and went sightseeing in Baku.
On February 1, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense,
Doctor Celeste Wallander, visited Georgia with the purpose to attend the Georgian Defense Conference (GDC). Doctor Wallander
together with the Deputy Defense Minister Nodar Kharshiladze
visited Cadets Military Lyceum. The US deputy assistant secretary of defense with her accompanying delegation became acquainted with the Lyceum, its infrastructure, classrooms, dormitory buildings, recreational and dining facilities, as well as its basketball and
football stadiums. “We came to Georgia to visit the cadets’ academy as part of the Office of the Secretary of Defense visit to Georgia. We witnessed a very impressive Georgian cadet’s academy,
which was very modern. We visited the classrooms and recreational
facilities. We were overall very impressed and we think it can be
a very important piece of Georgia’s focus on institution building
in the Georgian armed forces, which we think will help Georgia
with its Euro-Atlantic integration,” said the Pentagon’s Country
Director for Georgia and Moldova, Mark Simakovsky.
Lieutenant General Jurgen
Bornemann visits Georgia
Visit to the Republic of Turkey
Visit to the Republic of Poland
Georgian Defense Minister Bacho Akhalia held a meeting with
his Turkish counterpart, National Defense Minister Vecdi Gönül
on May 12. The two colleagues discussed cooperation issues within the defence sphere between Georgia and Turkey. The bilateral
military cooperation between Georgia and Turkey covers a wide
range of issues, including military education, logistics and issues
within the military-technical sphere.
The Georgian Defense Minister expressed his gratitude to his
Turkish colleague for the support and practical assistance provided by Turkey for the development of the Georgian Armed Forces.
Bacho Akhalaia expressed hope that Georgian-Turkish cooperation will continue in the future as well.
Bacho Akhalaia was accompanied by a delegation from the
Georgian Defense Ministry on an official visit to Turkey. On 1012 May, Turkey hosted the 10th International Defense Industry
Fair 2011 (IDEF-11). The event was organized under the auspices
and support of the Ministry of National Defense and under the
management and responsibility of the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation. The 10th International Defense Industry Fair was attended
by 621 local and foreign companies and company representatives
from 48 countries, some of which are leaders in the defence industry. In addition to companies, 84 delegations visited the fair including 419 foreign delegation members from 70 countries. Among
guests were ministers, chiefs of armed forces and high-level military and civilian officials. The event is the best place to exchange
views and the best opportunity to establish important business connections. The international exhibition is also an important platform for the development of regional cooperation within the military industry. The participants have an opportunity to get the newest information about technological achievements and programs.
They also have the opportunity to view the latest modern military
equipment and armaments.
Georgian Minister of Defense Bacho Akhalaia paid a two-day
official visit to Poland on June 1. The Georgian defense minister
held face to face meetings with his Polish counterpart Bogdan
Klich. The delegations of the both countries also held meetings
with each other. The main topics during the meetings were the
international peacekeeping missions, the partnership with NATO
and the support given to Georgia on the NATO integration path.
Special attention was paid to the common plans in the framework of the European Union.
According to Minister Klich, these plans will be the main working topics for Poland during its future presidency of the European Union. “You know that Georgia enjoys full support of Poland
on its NATO integration path. Next year Poland will take up the
role of the rotating presidency of the Council of the European
Union. Georgia will have the full support in this direction as well.
During the meeting today, we discussed all the above-mentioned
important issues. The main topics of discussion were the NATOled ISAF operation and strengthening [our] cooperation in the
military educational field between Georgia and Poland,” declared
the Polish defense minister.
Representatives of the Polish and Georgian defense ministries
agreed to deepen relations in the military education field. The
Georgian defense minister offered to help his counterpart prepare the personnel of the Polish Armed Forces in Sachkhere
Mountain Training School in autumn. This school has been awarded the status of a Partnership for Peace Program Centre. Bogdan
Klich offered to send an expert to the National Defence Academy of Georgia next year who to deliver a course on the peacekeeping missions.
The Georgian defense ministry delegation held meetings with
members of the National Defense Committee in the Sejm and the
head of the National Security Bureau of the Republic of Poland.
Lieutenant General Jurgen Bornemann, the Director General
of International Military Staff of NATO met with the Chief of the
Joint Staff of GAF Major-General Devi Chankotadze on February 1. The key topics of bilateral discussion included cooperation
in the field of education, peacekeeping operations and defence
reforms in the defence system of Georgia. After the meeting,
NATO’s top military official took a tour of the Krtsanisi National
Training Center accompanied by Deputy Chief of the Joint Staff,
Colonel Arsen Tsukhishvili.
The NATO general also met with the personnel of 33 Battalion of III Infantry Brigade, which is currently being prepared to
rotate the 32nd Battalion servicemen (after 6 months of service)
in Afghanistan. Jurgen Bornemann had the opportunity to see
the Simulation Center located at the Krtsanisi Training Base.
“I am visiting Georgia at a very interesting time when the relationship between Georgia and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is entering a new stage. I am visiting Georgia in order to
take part in the Annual Defence Conference tomorrow where the
Georgian authorities represent their first findings of their National Defence review and I am very much looking forward to listening to how Georgia is developing its own armed forces. Of course,
I am also here to discuss the status of cooperation between Georgia and NATO. I can tell you and report to you that we had a very
successful year in 2010 where a lot of cooperation activities had
been implemented and we are looking very much forward to continuing this cooperation with Georgia this year. Of course, that is
the reason why we are here in the training centre. One of the
focuses of cooperation between NATO and Georgia is the participation of the Georgian Armed Forces in the NATO-led ISAF
operation in Afghanistan. It is a great pleasure for me to consider
that Georgia has sent troops to this NATO-led operation. Georgia
is the second largest non-NATO contributor and with this, Georgia is supporting the NATO operation in Afghanistan in a very
efficient and excellent manner,” said the General Director of international Military Staff in an interview with journalists.
2011
3
Official Visits
Visit of Bulgarian Chief of Defence
Visit of James Appathurai
On an official visit to Georgia, James Appathurai, the NATO
Secretary General’s Special Representative for the South Caucasus and Central Asia met with the Defense Minister Bacho Akhalaia
on April 7. Topics of discussion at the meeting were Georgia’s contribution to the NATO-led ISAF peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan, the preparation for the Berlin Ministerial, the ongoing reforms in the Defense Ministry and the various activities carried
out within the framework of the NATO- Georgia partnership. James
Appathurai held meetings with the Georgian Minister of Foreign
Affairs Grigol Vashadze and Vice-Premier Giorgi Baramidze. He
also visited Ivane Javakhishvili State University where he met students and academic personnel. Within the official visit, NATO’s
top official also met with Giga Bokeria, the Head of the National
Security Council and members of the Georgian Parliament.
Chief of Defence of Bulgaria General Simeon Simeonov paid a
three-day official visit to Georgia. On June 21 Chief of Joint Staff
of Georgian Armed Forces Major-General Devi Chankotadze held
a meeting with General Simeonov along with the delegation member of the General Staff of the Republic of Bulgaria. Within the
meeting the Georgian and Bulgarian counterparts discussed issues
over the ongoing reforms and cooperation perspectives in defence
sphere. The sides expressed their willingness and readiness to share
experience in military education. Later Chief of Defence of Bulgaria paid tribute to the honor of the heroes fallen in the war for
the territorial integrity of Georgia and decorated the memorial of
the heroes with wreath at Mukhatgverdi Military cemetery. The
delegation from the Republic of Bulgaria visited the squadron in
Marneuli region as well.
James Stavridis Visited Georgia
The UK Defence
Minister Visits Georgia
The Defense Minister of the United Kingdom for International
Security Strategy, Gerald Howarth paid an official visit to Georgia
on June 6. The main purpose of his visit to Georgia was to strengthen
relations within the defence sphere between the two countries. The
United Kingdom’s minister for international security strategy held
meeting with Georgian Defense Minister Bacho Akhalaia. During
the meeting, both sides focused on the existing security situation
in the region, Georgia’s integration to NATO and the ongoing reforms in the defence sphere. In the framework of the official visit,
Gerald Howarth also met with the First Deputy Defense Minister
Nodar Kharshiladze and the leadership of MoD and Joint Staff of
the Georgian Armed Forces. He also visited the NATO-Georgia
Professional Development Program (PDP) Center and held meetings with the program manager and participants.
After the meeting Gerald Howarth made a statement for the
media: “I am delighted to be visiting Tbilisi and to reaffirm my
country’s support for Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations. The UK
continues to provide Georgia with assistance to make the necessary reforms for NATO membership. Therefore, I am pleased to
announce today that the UK will provide a new full-time security
defense advisor, who will work within Georgia’s Ministry of Defence. Georgia remains an important friend of the United Kingdom. We fight alongside each other in Afghanistan and I want to
personally thank the people of Georgia for the sacrifices made in
pursuit of global peace and stability”. The basic field of cooperation with Great Britain is educational sphere. Within the frame of
British Military Advisory Training Team (BMATT) Georgian instructors undergo annual training on the international peacekeeping operations issues in Military Academy in Viskovo (Czech Republic). The representatives of the Georgian Defence Ministry are
also able to undergo command and staff, English language and
international relations training courses in Great Britain.
NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe Admiral James
Stavridis paid a two-day official visit to Georgia. The U.S. Admiral visited the Georgian Defence Ministry August 25. The NATO
Commander was received by the Minister of Defence of Georgia
Bacho Akhalaia. Defence Minister briefed the NATO’s Supreme
Allied Commander Europe about the ongoing reforms in defence
sphere. At the meeting the sides discussed Georgia’s participation
in ISAF (International Security Assistance Forces) operation. As
Admiral James Stavridis declared after the meeting, he is very proud
of the Georgian soldiers who are taking part in ISAF operation. “I
am very happy to be here today in Tbilisi, in Georgia to say thank
you to the Republic of Georgia for the outstanding participation in
Afghanistan. We are very proud of the soldiers from Georgia who
have fought alongside the rest of the NATO coalition,” declared
Stavridis. “Admiral Stavridis is NATO’s highest ranking military
officer and at the same time the Commander of the United States
European Command. We discussed the ISAF operation and Georgia’s participation in the mission. You are aware of the fact that
Georgia is not only one of the largest but also one of the most
important contributors to the operation,” declared Defence Minister Akhalaia after the meeting.
Speech of NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen
and the Georgian Defence Minister Bachana Akhalaia at the homecoming ceremony of the Georgian servicemen who served in ISAF
Minister, Excellencies, soldiers, ladies and gentlemen, I am very
honored to have the opportunity to say a few words at this ceremony
to welcome back from Afghanistan the brave soldiers of the 33rd light
infantry battalion.
For many years Georgia has been a major contributor to our common effort to ensure that Afghanistan will never again be a safe haven for terrorists and extremists.
Nearly a thousand Georgian troops are serving in Afghanistan today. They are doing a great job. And you, members of the 33rd light
infantry battalion have done a great job. Your duties in Helmand province were particularly demanding but you met that challenge successfully and displayed considerable courage. You are not only a credit
to your battalion and your brigade, but you are a credit to your entire
country.
The Georgian government has announced its intention to make a
further engagement for our common effort. Once those troops are in
place Georgia will be the largest non NATO contributor. For a country of just over 4.5 million people that is an enormous achievement.
And it is the contribution for which all NATO is extremely grateful.
We’re now entering a crucial period in our engagement in Afghanistan. We have broken the momentum of the insurgency. The transition of our security responsibilities to the Afghans is on track to be
completed by the end of 2014. And you have all been the key part of
the progress we have made. We will continue to stand by the Afghan
people throughout transaction and beyond.
We will continue helping them to establish the country as stable,
peaceful and increasingly prosperous member of the international
community of nations. And I am confident that Georgia will be the
part of this continuing commitment.
Afghanistan is a very demanding mission for all our nations and
for all our militaries. But it is also a vitally important mission for the
security of all our nations and that of all our citizens.
Your service in Afghanistan is also vitally important in another
way. It makes the personnel of the Georgian Armed Forces better
prepared to work alongside their colleagues from NATO in other missions too, and this is a key part of your countries preparations for
NATO membership. So you have not only Afghanistan standing on
its own feet, but also help Georgia to move closer to Alliance membership. And this is one more reason for you to be very proud of what
you have accomplished.
Let me thank each and everyone of you in the 33rd light infantry
battalion once again for your outstanding contribution to the progress
of our common endeavor in Afghanistan. And let me close by paying
tribute to the Georgian soldiers who have paid the highest price in
that endeavor. We must make sure and we will make sure that their
sacrifice has not been in vain.
Defence Minister Bacho Akhalaia
Secretary of the U.S. Navy Ray Mabus
at the Defence Ministry
Secretary of the U.S. Navy Ray Mabus paid a two-day official
visit to Georgia. Secretary of the U.S. Navy was hosted by the
Georgian Defence Minister Bacho Akhalaia on November 18. At
the meeting the Georgian Defence Minister briefed the American
official about the ongoing defence reforms in Georgia. U.S. – Georgian bilateral cooperation in defence sphere, Georgia’s NATO integration prospects and Georgia’s participation in ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) were the topics of discussion at
the meeting. Secretary of the U.S. Navy Ray Mabus visited the
Krtsanisi National Training Center and attended the military trainings of the Georgian and U.S. military servicemen.
Dear Mr. Secretary-General and distinguished guests,
I have the honor to welcome you and the members of North-Atlantic Council in Georgia. So I am pinning my hopes to the fact that
the aforementioned visit will be another step forward in the deepening of NATO-Georgia relationship.
I reckon that our soldiers have contributed a lot in the way of the
mission’s accomplishment and that they have fulfilled their duties to
the highest level. At the same time, they are procuring a lot of experience by which they are strengthening the Georgian Armed Forces.
We have already conducted the fourth rotation under the US Command and right now we are in the middle of pre-deployment exercises. As you should be aware, in the year to come, another battalion
will take part in the ISAF mission from Georgia.
In parallel with the operations conducted by NATO, we are forced
to be acting in a very heavy and grave security settings, which is very
demanding in terms of the fact that we have to proceed with the recovery from the damages inflicted by the August War and on the other hand, we have to continue the transformation of the defence sphere.
And finally, I’d like one more time to emphasize that participation
by Georgia in the activities of the alliance is another manifestation
that Georgia is ready to become a full- fledged member of the North
Atlantic Alliance.
4
2011
Military Parade 2011
On the 26th of May, Independence
Day was officially announced by the
recorded voice of the prominent Georgian poet Akaki Tsereteli.
The military parade, which was dedicated to Georgia’s Independence Day,
was commanded by the Chief of Joint
Staff of the Georgian Armed Forces
(GAF), Maj.-Gen. Devi Chankotadze.
Before the appearance of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the
Georgian Armed Forces Mikheil
Saakashvili, the Chief of Joint Staff of
the GAF gave the command for readiness for the military parade. He then reported to the Supreme Commander-inChief that the military personnel were
lined-up, and then the president and the
army greeted one another. Upon receiving the order, Georgia’s military personnel took “at ease” position. There was a
minute of silence and then the president
began his speech… By the end of the
speech, the president granted “Brilliance
Awards” to the following people:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Rusudan Petviashvili
Vakhtang Machavariani
Tariel Chanturia
Rezo Gabriadze
Otar Zurabishvili
Natela Zhordania
Rejeb Zhordania
Tamar Chkhenkeli
Gogita Vashadze
David Sakvarelidze
David Lortkipanidze
Arvidas Sabonis
Tamar Kvesitadze
Mamuka Gvaramia
Genadi Qachibaia
The Vakhtang Gorgasali III Rank
Order was awarded to
Corporal Sadghobelashvili Ilia
1st Lieutenant Tsirdava Tengiz
and Major Kutkhashvili Slava
For the first time in the history of
military parades and within the framework of the formal ceremony, the graduates of the National Defence Academy
took the military oath. Ninety-four graduates, only one woman among them,
knelt down and swore the oath of allegiance. After the ceremony, they were
granted the rank of Lieutenant. After the
military parade, they will continue serving in the various units of the Georgian
Armed Forces.
After the oath-taking ceremony, the
Georgian National Anthem was performed. The anthem was sung by Georgian singer Nini Badurashvili and was
accompanied by the Defence Ministry’s
military band.
The commander of the military parade gave instructions concerning the
parade that meant the regrouping of personnel, giving them direction of movement and the keeping of distance. The
standard-bearers started moving in a
straight line and the rest to the right.
The military parade was opened by
the column of standard-bearers led by
Deputy-Chief-of-Staff of the GAF, Col.
Arsen Tsukhishvili. The military person-
nel were carrying the flags of the Georgian state and various branches of the
Georgian Armed Forces. The column
was manned with personnel from the
ceremonial company.
The standard-bearers were followed
by the students of the Cadets Military
Lyceum, who took part in the military
parade for the first time. The Cadets
Military Lyceum started functioning in
the beginning of the current academic
year (September 13, 2010). The educational institution was formally unveiled
by the president of Georgia. The idea of
the reestablishment of the Cadets Lyceum belongs to Mikheil Saakashvili.
Right now, the Cadets Military Lyceum
comprises 297 students. It fully complies with international standards and the
cadets enjoy free medical service, adequate messing, various kinds of uniforms, as well as school equipment.
Along with the general educational program, they are intensively familiarizing
themselves with military life and undergo rigorous physical preparation.
The march was continued by the military personnel of the Joint Staff and
Land Forces Command.
They were followed by military personnel from the Training and Military
Education Command. Military units of
the Land Forces also marched at the
Parade. Parade was led by the commanders of military units of the I Infantry
Brigade, II Infantry Brigade, III Infantry Brigade, IV Infantry Brigade, Separate Light Infantry Battalion, I Artillery
Brigade, II Artillery Brigade, Engineering Brigade, Separate Communication
Battalion, aviation sub-units of land
forces, National Guard and special operation forces.
The parade also featured various
types of armored vehicles, among them
a new armored vehicle “Didgori” that
appeared at the military parade for the
first time, also Hammer Type Armored
Vehicle, Armored Vehicle “Cobra”, Armored Vehicle “Wolf”, Armored-Vehicle, Armored Vehicle “Ejder”, Artillery
System “MTSA”, Artillery System “Giatsint”, self-propelled artillery system
“DANA” Multiple Rocket Launcher
“RM-70.
The parade was wrapped up by over
flight of various types of aviation: Helicopter UH-1H, Helicopter MI-8, Helicopter MI-24, High Performance Jet “L39”, Jet Aircraft SU-25.
2011
5
“Didgori”
“Didgori” is a newly created
vehicle, just a few days old,
though as its Georgian manufacturers say, it is already experienced. The Didgori combat vehicle has been designed by Georgians after a thorough study of
comparable models throughout
the world. After its design, it was
tested according to international
standards. Before its final formation, several test models were
created. They were tested according to various parameters and the armor protection has also been checked
several times. The Didgori
combat vehicle is a multifunction armored personnel carrier that can also be
used for intelligence purposes, convoy operations and moving on a battlefield. The Didgori
is very maneuverable and fast,
so it is very useful for Special
Forces. According to information provided by its constructors,
it is more protected than required
by NATO STANAG II. This
class provides protection from
7.62/54 type armor penetrable
bullets, although the exact parameters of armor is kept secret.
As for the bottom armor, it is created with the “sandwich” multilayer system. It has three layers.
The middle layer provides the
possibility to keep off the blast
wave in case of mine explosion.
The other two layers protect the
crew from fragmentation. The
tires are armored as well. Each
tire can resist up to ten shots. It
has an extra layer of protection.
Even if the tire is damaged, the
vehicle can cover 50-60 kilometers at the speed of 80km/h. Several types of weapon systems can
be mounted on the Georgian
Didgori. At this stage, two kinds
of vehicles are created. One is
smaller with more maneuverability and another is larger in
size. 7.62 mm “MINIGUN” systems also called “Volcanos”
which provide a high rate of fire
(12, 000 to 15, 000 rounds per
minute) are mounted on one of
them and a 12.7 mm machinegun is mounted on the other.
· Crew – “Didgori 1” – 8+1
(machine-gunner), “Didgori 2” –
6+1 (machine-gunner) military
ultra-modern equipment and
communications systems. The
crew inside the vehicle can use
the internal radio communication (i.e. contact the driver and
commander) within 5 km radi-
servicemen.
· Speed – average speed
100-120 km/h
· Fuel capacity – enables it
to cover 500 km
· Weight – 7 tons
· Designer of “Didgori-1” is
a famous car designer Zviad
Tsikolia
The constructors considered
the technology that exists in the
armor industry of the world,
namely, mine resistance, armor
quality, hardness, etc. For the
most part, the armor of the
Didgori is innovative, and the
idea belongs entirely to Georgian
constructors. The creation of innovative armor enabled the
Georgian constructors to design
the Didgori in a way to make its
weight 30% lighter compared to
similar vehicles. In addition, its
armor is firmer than the rest of
the vehicles of the same class.
The Didgori is equipped with
us. The vehicle is equipped with
thermal cameras that enable the
crew to move with its searchlights turned off and at the same
time remain undetected by enemy forces. The telescope system
can also be mounted on the back
platform of the vehicle. It is
equipped with a night vision device with a full rotation of 360º
and an optical zoom X36. The
combat vehicle is equipped with
a 10 watt Harris radio system
that enables the crew to communicate within 11 km radius.
It is possible to install various kinds of systems that will
make the Georgian Didgori more
effective.
The intelligence vehicle has
additional hatches; so the crew
can open fire without leaving the vehicle.
“This vehicle satisfies
the requirements of soldiers. It is fast and mobile. The main demand
from our side, from soldiers with regard to military equipment is the
security parameters. In
this case, the level of security is considered to be
at the highest level. The major
advantage of Didgori is that it is
Georgian! It is produced in Georgia and it makes us feel proud,
as well as its name!” – Aleko
Gorgadze, Master Sergeant of IV
Infantry Brigade.
“Experience and views of the
Georgian soldiers, also, the principles of projecting and designing have been considered while
creating this vehicle. This has
happened for the first time in
Georgia” – Zviad Tsikolia.
Production of its own military
equipment is very important for
any country. Compared to procurement, production is financially beneficial. The maintenance in- place is also faster and
requires fewer finances. It can be
freely counted as one more advantage of Didgori.
6
2011
Georgian Contingent on ISAF Mission
Georgia is one of the largest contributors per capita to the ISAF military operation ongoing under the aegis
of NATO in Afghanistan. Initially, up
to 50 military servicemen were deployed in the peacekeeping mission in
2004, whose main duty there was to
insure security during local presidential elections. Afterwards, from November 2009, in the town of Ghor province, Chaghcharan, the Georgian doc-
tors have been performing peace mission in the province integrated in the
Lithuanian contingent reconstruction
group by 6 months rotation.
Since November 2009, first Georgian
peacekeeping company was deployed in
Kabul, Afghanistan to accomplish the
mission there as a part of the French
peace contingent at the military base
“Warehouse” of the Regional Command’s HQs. According to the rotation
principle, new company joins the
NATO-led security operation in Afghanistan every 6 months.
Each Georgian Peace Company, going to deploy in Afghanistan, went
through training courses at the Sachkhere Mountain-Training School in full
compliance with NATO standards for
two weeks. During the trainings the
Georgian Armed Forces were specially
prepared for counterinsurgency operations.
Since April 2010, a total of 750 servicemen of 31st Infantry Battalion of
III Infantry Brigade of GAF were sent
to the province of Helmand, the south
province of Afghanistan. The Georgian
peace contingent was carrying out there
a full spectrum of security operations
side by side with the US military forces. During November 2010, the 31st
Battalion, been deployed in Afghanistan, was rotated by the 32nd Battalion
of III Infantry Brigade. Since
April 2011, the 33rd Battalion had performed a peacekeeping mission in the
Afghan province of Helmand. After six
months of service, in November 2011,
749 military servicemen of 31st Battalion of III Infantry Brigade replaced
33rd Battalion step by step. The Georgian peacekeeping battalion is performing the security mission in Afghanistan
as part of the US military contingent.
It is already a second rotation for the
31st battalion personnel, who are characterized with a high level of combat
preparation and experience.
The above-mentioned battalions
have undergone 6 month intensive
training in the Krtsanisi Training Centre under the guidance of Expeditionary Brigade of US Marine Corps. The
Battalion personnel have also gone
through preparation in the US Joint
Multinational Readiness Centre
(JMRC) based in the German city of
Defence Minister awarded the Georgian
military servicemen for participation in
international peacekeeping mission
An award ceremony for military servicemen of the III Infantry Brigade of the
Georgian Armed Forces was held in Kutaisi on July 6. “For participation in the
international peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan”, service and state rewards
were granted to the 32nd Battalion and Infantry Company personnel who had
participated in the ISAF mission. The Defence Minister of Georgia, Bacho Akhalaia, the leadership of GAF and the son of Colonel Ramaz Gogishvili, who had
died in Afghanistan, awarded the soldiers.
1,019 military servicemen received medals for participating in the international
mission. Four soldiers were awarded the Vakhtang Gorgasali III rank order, and
122 military servicemen were rewarded with the state and service medals.
Hohenfels. They were instructed in defence, searching, cordon, convoy,
evacuation operations as well as in
skills of communication with leaders
and population they will have to interact with during the mission. Georgian soldiers‘ preparedness level to
engage in particular peace support operations in Afghanistan was positively evaluated by both the Centre’s experts and Trainers and Advisors Group
of US Marines.
Besides, since April, 2011 Georgian
military instructors have been carrying
out peacekeeping mission in Kandahar
province, Afghanistan as part of the
French peace contingent.
Participation in international peacekeeping missions provides Georgian
soldiers with an opportunity to obtain
practical combat experience and to demonstrate the country’s readiness to cooperate with NATO and its partner
states‘armed forces.
2011
7
Letter by General David H.
Petraeus to Georgian Defence
Minister Bachana Akhalaia
Your forces have been very successful in partnering with the Afghan National Security Force and with local Afghan Government leaders. Together they
have conducted numerous operations
and implemented many initiatives to
increase security and stability. Your
troopers’ effective interactions with the
Afghan people have led to increased
confidence in both ISAF and GIRoA
security forces. As an example, the area
where they operate is southern Musa
Qaleh is now patrolled on foot, resulting in better relationships with the Afghan people. Your troopers are truly courageous in conducting these foot patrols,
which place them at greater risk of insurgent attacks.
Much of the credit for improved security in southern Musa Qaleh is attributable to the outstanding leadership of
your battalion commanders: Lieutenant
Colonel Phridoni Tereladze and Major
Alexander Tugushi. Both possesses superior knowledge of their areas of operation, maintain good discipline of their
forces, and plan sound operations to reduce the insurgents’ influence on the
people.
Major General Richard Mills, Commander of Regional Command-Southwest, has been very pleased with the
leadership of both the 31st and 32nd
Battalions. He informed me that your
troopers are motivated and disciplined,
and that they approach their mission
with a positive attitude. Other favorable
comments about your troops have been
echoed up and down the levels of command, reinforcing their well-earned
reputation as tough, smart, and professional.
Thanks again, for your Nation’s commitment to the Afghan people and the
campaign here. I look forward to continuing our work together to help the
Afghanistan Government provide a
more secure and prosperous future for
its people.
His Excellency Bachana Akhalaia
Dear Excellency,
I greatly appreciate your Nation’s
contributions to the NATO ISAF mission. The 31st (April-November 2010)
and 32nd (November 2010-present)
Georgian Battalions have been integral
to the growing success of our efforts
to improve security and stability, specifically in Nimruz and Helmand
Provinces.
Hollywood movie star Tom Cruise visited Georgian military servicemen at the military
hospital in Germany. During the visit the military hospital Tom Cruise took a
memorable photo with private of the 33rd Battalion of the 3rd Infantry Brigade
Akhmed Saparov. The 33rd Battalion of the 3rd Infantry Brigade, where private
Saparov serves, has already left Afghanistan and been rotated by the 31st Battalion.
Private Saparov will return to Georgia after the first course of his treatment
Hollywood Film Star and a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High
Commissioner for Refugees Angelina Jolie visited Georgian military servicemen in
the military hospital in Germany. Georgian peacekeepers served under the US peace
contingent in Helmand province within the ISAF (International Security Assistance
Force) peacekeeping mission
Very respectfully,
David H. Petraeus,
General, United States Army Commander
International Security Assistance
Force / United States Forces-Afghanistan
The first lady of the United States Michelle Obama visited the injured Georgian
military servicemen who were transferred to the German Hospital from Helmand
On June 9 during the NATO Defence Ministerial in Brussels Georgia’s Minister of Defence, Bacho Akhalaia and David Petraeus, the
Commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) discussed the decision to send an additional Georgian battalion to
Afghanistan. Bacho Akhalaia and David Petraeus also talked about the possibility of establishing a NATO- standard regional training
facility. General Petraeus welcomed the initiative to set up a facility that would provide pre-deployment training for international
operations
Commander of the US Marine Corps General James Amos and Sergeant Major of the US
Marine Corps Carlton Kent visited Georgian serviceman Alika Gitolendia, who was
wounded in Afghanistan. Corporal of the 31st Battalion Gitolendia exploded on the IED
(improvised explosive device) during his service in ISAF Mission
8
2011
Georgian Defence Conference
The Georgian Defence Conference
held in February in the city of Batumi,
like its predecessors, sought to give interested parties the opportunity to discuss the existing security environment
in Georgia and the ongoing defence reforms in its armed forced. At the Forum,
organized by the Georgian Defence
Ministry, a wide range of delegations
from Georgia and foreign countries were
given the opportunity to hold open discussions on new challenges in the global security sphere.
The conference has become a yearly tradition, and the number of delegates attending the event has grown
year to year. This year, the conference
was proud to welcome distinguished,
high-ranking representatives from
NATO, the USA and other partner
countries, as well as members of the
diplomatic corps. The list of the guests
at the Conference also included representatives from Georgian governmental and non-governmental agencies, the
parliamentary majority and opposition
parties, and independent experts in the
defence and security sphere.
Within the framework of the two-day
conference, a range of important issues
were discussed, including NATO after
the Lisbon Summit, global security challenges, defence reforms, the Georgian
reserve system and defence transformation and transparency. An emphasis was
made on the new reserve and civil defence systems, and the Strategic Review
Document renewed by Georgian Defence Ministry, which reports on
progress on aspects of national security
relating to defence, and outlines the
Georgian Armed Forces plans for development up to 2015.
Delegates at the conference had a
good opportunity to discuss not only
Georgian defence issues, but also broader security questions. The Vice-Minister of National Defence of Lithuania,
Vytautas Umbrasas told Defence Today:
“I feel that this conference was very useful and very positive. I hope, as I heard
from the [Georgian] Deputy Defence
Minister, it will continue to become a
larger, broader and deeper event every
year. I hope that next year will also have
many good speakers, meetings and opportunities to discuss important security questions. It is very important for
Georgia, and for the region, and maybe
for other regions as well,” Umbrasas
explained.
The conference was opened by the
Georgian State Minister for European
and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Mr. Giorgi Baramidze. In his opening remarks
the minister spoke about the significance
of the meeting. The Chairman of the
Civil Council on Defence and Security,
Mr. Erekle Mchedlishvili, highlighted
the transparency and active participation
of public society in the ongoing processes in the defence sphere.
In his speech, NATO General Director of the International Military Staff,
Lieutenant General Jurgen Bornemann
discussed such topics as NATO’s new
functions, current challenges and future
vision after the Lisbon Summit, as well
the importance of the ISAF operation
and Georgia’s participation in the mission.
One of the major topics for the conference was Georgia’s new reserve system and issues concerning civil defence.
The Deputy Head of J-5, a division of
the Joint Staff of Georgia, Lieutenant
Colonel Omar Begoidze, and member
of the parliamentary opposition, Nick
Laliashvili, shared their opinions on the
issue. Major General William T. Nesbitt made an interesting presentation on
the American reserve system.
The fifth panel of the conference discussed defence transparency and the
public’s contribution to the security decision-making process.
The UK Special Defence Advisor to
the Georgian Defence Ministry, Mr.
Steven Glover, presented his vision of
British defence and security, and how it
related to the Georgian strategic review
document. The Head of the Planning and
Analysis Department of the Chamber of
Control of Georgia, Mr. Levan Alapishvili, concluded the conference thematically, reviewing issues related to the
state budget and defence reforms.
The Georgian Defence Conference
2011, held in Batumi, will be remembered for the attendance of many highranking dignitaries, interesting discussion, the sharing of experiences and
planning for the future. The conference
is one more step forward for Georgia in
terms of deepening regional and international cooperation in the security
sphere.
NATO Defence Ministerial in Brussels
Georgian Defence Minister Bacho
Akhalaia attended the NATO Defence
Ministerial meeting. The North Atlantic
Council (NAC) met at the level of defence ministers in Brussels, NATO HQ
on June 8-9. Within the framework of the
NATO Defence Ministerial, the meeting
of the North Atlantic Council has been
held in the NATO HQ with non-NATO
ISAF contributing Nations. Throughout
the meeting, defence ministers dealt with
the ways of securing stability in Afghanistan and set out the future plans.
The defence meetings of the NAC at
the level of defence ministers were
opened by the NATO Secretary General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen. He began
his opening remarks by paying tribute
to the ISAF and Afghan forces that have
been killed or injured in Afghanistan.
“Afghanistan remains our largest operation and our key operational priority.
And we are making progress, in particular in the areas of transition, training,
and enabling the Afghans to take the
lead,” NATO Secretary General said.
According to Rasmussen, the Taliban are
under pressure everywhere, including
their former strongholds in Helmand and
Kandahar provinces. Secretary General
Rasmussen took the opportunity on behalf of the ISAF family to thank outgoing ISAF Commander General David
Petraeus for his dedicated service and
extraordinary leadership. He thanked
the General for showing firm commitment to the Alliance and the ISAF mission.
Defence Minister
attended NATO meeting
Bacho Akhalaia, Georgia’s Defence
Minister attended the NATO Defence
Ministerial Meeting of the North Atlantic Council (NAC) in NATO HQ,
Brussels, on March 10-11. The meeting was opened by the NATO Secretary General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen.
The meeting was open to non-Nato
ISAF-contribution nations, and saw defence ministers from across the Afghan
mission discuss ways of securing stability in the war-torn country and outline plans for the future.
At the opening of the meeting, Rasmussen offered his condolences to the
families and loved ones of the ISAF and
Afghan soldiers who have been killed
or injured in Afghanistan. He told those
in attendance that it is thanks to the
courage and selfless sacrifice of those
who have lost their lives, that considerable progress has been achieved by
the coalition forces: “We are putting
great pressure on the insurgency and
are taking away many of the safe havens that they have relied upon. This
has helped to create a safer and more
secure environment in many parts of
Afghanistan. Our strategy is working”,
declared Rasmussen. He thanked the
Afghan national security forces for
their close partnership and confirmed
that they are ready to gradually assume
the lead responsibility for the security
of their nation and their people.
Minister of Defence of Georgia, Bacho Akhalaia also delivered speech at
the meeting. Mr. Akhalaia briefed the
audience on the state of Georgia’s participation in the operation and the country’s future plans in this regard. Georgia continues to be fully committed to
ISAF mission with 929 highly professional soldiers currently deployed on
the ground in Afghanistan. While addressing the audience, the Minister referred to prospects for future cooperation. He underscored the fact that the
ISAF conference was taking place
against a background of a period of
transition within Afghanistan, and discussed the coalition’s preparation of
Afghan national security forces: “As
you know we are planning to send up
to 20 artillery instructors to Afghani-
stan to assist the local military to be
able to take control of the security situation on the ground.”
In an interview with the media,
Grigol Mgaloblishvili, Georgian Ambassador to NATO, also underlined the
importance of sending instructors to
Afghanistan: “The decision to send an
additional military contingent is very
important. This spring, 11 instructors
will be deployed in Afghanistan, and
as for the [further 9 instructors] we are
in the process of dealing with some
technical details,” said the Ambassador.
The Defence Minister held individual meetings with his British, Bulgarian and other foreign colleagues within
the framework of the Ministerial.
Participants at the meeting discussed
the new security challenges arising from
the situation in Libya and the longerterm prospects for the Middle East. In
addition to this, the two-day ministerial
meeting also saw a new concept on Cyber-Security approved by the delegation.
Ministers also took crucial steps towards the implementation of “Transition” - the process by which security
responsibility for Afghanistan is being
gradually transferred to Afghan leadership. As a result of the meeting, the
Afghan government will now decide on
the areas in which the transition program will be implemented. Transition
will commence only once it has been
approved by the Afghan government
and announced by President Karzai.
The Ministers also discussed and
agreed upon the principles by which
Transition will be implemented. They
emphasized the fact that Transition is
not an event but a process, and that it
signifies a gradual shift to a genuine
supporting role as Afghan National
Security Forces (ANSF) capabilities
develop. The Ministers, who were
joined by Afghan Defence Minister
Abdul Rahim Wardak, welcomed the
progress achieved with regard to the
strengthening of the ANSF, who are
increasingly taking the lead in joint
operations. Ministers expressed their
shared goal of seeing the ANSF take the
lead and conduct security operations in
all provinces by the end of 2014.
Georgian Defence and
Security Conference
The 48 NATO and ISAF defence
ministers reaffirmed their long-term
commitment to Afghanistan which remains NATO’s top operational priority.
Ministers were updated on the operational situation from the Commander of
ISAF, General David Petraeus, who explained how progress against the insurgency was enabling the transition to
Afghans to start leading in seven districts and provinces in July, as planned.
“Transition is based on conditions,
not the calendar. But I am confident that
we can complete our handover of security to the Afghans by the end of 2014.
This does not mean we are heading for
the exit. Our commitment to Afghanistan will endure beyond that through our
long-term partnership”- said NATO Sec-
retary General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen. As part of this process, ministers
have agreed to work together with the
Afghan authorities to define the relationship between NATO-ISAF and Afghanistan after the transition is complete in
2014 and in order to reassure the Afghans of our long-term commitment to
their country. This work will help clarify the likely evolution of security-support to Afghanistan for the years to
come.
In the framework of the NATO Defence Ministerial, the Georgian defence
minister held bilateral meetings with his
foreign counterparts. The meeting was
held with the Commander of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF)
David Petraeus.
The Georgian Defence and Security
Conference opened at the “Radisson Blu
Iveria” Hotel on October 27. Georgian
and international representatives discussed the new challenges within the global security sphere, the ongoing defence
reforms in Georgia and the achieved
progress at the conference organized by
the Ministry of Defence of Georgia. The
conference is an important forum for discussion of defence and security issues.
The Georgian governmental and nongovernmental organizations, the parliamentary majority, representatives from
opposition parties, experts, high ranking
officials from international organizations,
the defence counterparts of partner countries and the diplomatic corps accredited
to Georgia attended the conference. Dur-
ing two days the conference participants
discussed important issues such as the
NATO Agenda from Lisbon to Chicago,
Georgia’s NATO membership perspectives, the Black Sea Region within the
Euro Atlantic security dimension, the
challenges of the security sphere, the ongoing reforms in the Georgian defence
sphere, the main trends in military education, the view of civil society and its
contributions, democratic control and its
existing challenges and the way ahead for
the ISAF mission.
Along with the forum, Georgian Defence Minister Bacho Akhalaia and Vice
Prime Minister of Georgia and State
Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Giorgi Baramidze held
bilateral meetings with foreign visitors.
2011
9
Cadets Military Lyceum
the Lyceum; these include fire, tactical, engineer, physical and drilling
preparation, topography-navigation,
first medical aid, humanitarian law on
armed conflicts and military history.
In order to achieve an effective educational process, seven departments in
each curriculum have been created in
the Cadets Military Lyceum.
The Cadets Military Lyceum began
its new academic year on September
15. The military institution began the
academic year with several new innovations. This year the cadets will study
a third foreign language (Turkish)
along with other standard compulsory
foreign languages (English and Russian). Second and third-year cadets will
also undergo a TOEFEL program.
The period to obtain and submit
the required documents for entrance
into the Lyceum Academy was from
June 16 to July 4. After successfully
finishing the basic educational phase
(IX grade) in general educational institutions, 769 students applied to the
Lyceum. After undergoing medical
examinations, only 618 perspective
students made it to the final entrance
phase. Out of 618 applicants, 110
students were selected on the basis
of the testing results, conducted in
two stages - physical preparation and
logical aptitude skills. For the 20112012 academic years, a total of 352
will receive their education at the
academy.
The educational process at the Cadets Military Lyceum is carried out on
the basis of the National Curriculum
developed by the Ministry of Education and Science and an additional military program. In parallel with the general educational program, additional
military disciplines are also taught at
Meeting with the Georgian President
On February 25, the Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili delivered a
speech before the cadets of Military
Lyceum and students of National Defence Academy- “for you and any
Georgian citizen, interested in the future military career, the history of cadets and their teachers will always remain as a worthy example. And you
too should become the model for the
future generation not in the way to
share their tragic fate, but to create an
independent and powerful state”. The
meeting which was organized within
the framework of “Occupation Week”
was attended by the Defence Minister
Bacho Akhalaia, descendents of the
Head of the first Georgian Government Noe Jhordania and hero cadets
along with Military Lyceum and Defence Academy students.
Cadets visit Rustaveli Cinema Hall
On December 9, attendees of Cadets
Military Lyceum visited Rustaveli Cinema Hall. The students saw the Georgian
feature film “Love Story”. Such kind of
cognitive-entertaining events are organized every week. This initiative belongs
to the Defence Ministry. Along with getting additional information, such initiative gives possibility of certain relaxation. Every week the students attend
film shows and performances, visit museums and other places of interest.
On December 10, students of the
Cadets Military Lyceum visited
Davit Aghmashenebeli National
Defence Academy. Cadets were
hosted by the freshmen of the Defence Academy. They viewed the
existing infrastructure of the National Defence Academy – educational
and living facilities, conference hall,
entertainment center, swimming
pool, indoor and outdoor sports
grounds and library. Cadets fired
from the simulation systems and had
supper together with the students of
the Defence Academy. They also received detailed information about
the admission requirements and living and educational standards of the
Defence Academy.
The Cadets Military Lyceum is a
kind of boarding house providing the
cadets with adequate accommodation,
nutrition, medical service and textbooks. Upon graduation the students
will be awarded with certificates of secondary education.
The Lyceum offers the best working environment, based on a secure, interactive and respectful relationship
among the personnel which is insured
by the set structure of the Lyceum.
The Cadets self-governance body
is also functioning at the Cadets Military Lyceum and consists of various
committees – including the Lyceum
administration, the committee of public affairs, as well as sports and esthetical education. During the academic
year, cadet Olympiads and creative educational conferences also take place.
The goal of the military school is to
develop the intellectual, cultural,
physical and moral features of the cadet and to enable the cadet to be able
to easily adapt to social life and engage in both the civil and military service of the country.
Minister of Defence Visited Cadets
Defence Minister of Georgia
Bacho Akhalaia visited cadets on
June 30 and attended the field exercise. The students of Cadets
Military Lyceum had been undergoing practical field exercise since
June 19. Along with the completion of the training, the 2010-2011
academic year also finished, after
which summer holidays for the cadets began at the Lyceum.
The cadets were undergoing
the field exercise at the outset.
They improved their theoretical
knowledge by the practical field
training. During two weeks the
cadets of Military Lyceum were undergoing tactical, marksmanship, engineering and medical preparation along with physical training. They also mastered in communication, military topography and army regulations. Cadets
Military Lyceum started its functioning at the beginning of the academic year
2010 on September 13.
Cadets Visit Defence Academy
10
2011
National Defence Academy of Georgia
The National Defence Academy was
recently opened by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Georgian Armed
Forces, Mikheil Saakashvili. The President of Georgia called the new military
educational institution a symbol of the
country’s revival.
“The invader, which intervened in
Georgia three-years ago, annihilated this
military base. We however, have restored the base and have built an even
better military academy- one similar to
which Georgia has never had throughout its history,” said Saakashvili.
“Our country is in a very difficult
geopolitical situation,” added the President. “There are not enough fingers to
count all the invaders who thought
throughout Georgia’s history that they
had invaded this land and extinguished
the existence of Georgia. Furthermore,
many of the empires which invaded
Georgia [have since] disappeared. But
Georgia turned out to be eternal,” the
president continued. “As long as Georgia is alive, we will have the necessity
to protect our country and therefore the
necessity to have armed forces”, President Saakashvili said.
Saakashvili noted that several kilometers from Gori the occupying Russian
Army set up a military foothold in Georgia. “But let’s take a broader look… This
place is the heart of Georgia,” he said.
Mikheil Saakashvili also spoke about
the importance of Georgia’s participation in the ISAF mission. He pointed out
that Georgia’s military contribution to
the Afghan operation provides the Georgian army “invaluable combat experience” and to the country it provides the
“solidarity and support” of its allies.
“Many people question what the
The Davit Agmashenebeli National
Defence Academy of Georgia was
opened on September 16. The building
complex of the renewed National Defence Academy includes accommodation buildings, a canteen, conference
Georgian soldiers are doing in Afghanistan and I often hear that the Georgian
government wants to score political
points or that Saakashvili wants to keep
his chair and that’s why he sacrifices the
lives of our soldiers. Neither my chair
nor my life is worth anything to me when
it comes to Georgia and its supreme interests,” Saakashvili said.
“The Georgian soldiers are in Af-
hall, recreation center, gymnasium,
swim-ming pool, open sport grounds
and gyms, educational buildings, library,
medical center and an administrative
building. The academy provides students with material and a technical base
ghanistan because it makes the Georgian
armed forces stronger and because this
provides invaluable combat experience,” Saakashvili said. “I have heard
from General Petraeus that the Georgian
peacekeeping contingent was the best he
had ever interacted with in Iraq and Afghanistan aside from the Americans.
General Petraeus has told me that the
Georgian peacekeepers were distin-
guished by something which is unexplainable, giving them preference over
the armed forces of other countries. But
in order to maintain a high combat readiness it needs permanent testing in a combat environment and constant training.”
He said that the first reaction on the
question of whether Georgian troops
should be in Afghanistan or not will of
course be “no, they should not.”
“But let’s think more deeply about
the challenges and threats currently facing Georgia. The main question is if our
country really needs armed forces with
significant combat experience or assistance from our powerful partners; certainly we need these things, otherwise
the country will not be able to survive.
And this kind of experience will only
be obtained through participating in the
peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan. If
we want to function as a state we must
have armed forces, and if we wish to
have an army we should be in Afghanistan,” he said.
“If we want to have the country, we
should have the army; if we want to
have the army, we should be in Afghanistan.”
“And that’s not because of scoring
political points; I know that it is not popular, but I also know that our ability to
put our country’s long-term interests
above our popularity is what makes us
different from political demagogues.”
“In a decisive moment, soldiers and
officers, who have gone through this
experience, will serve Georgia, will protect Georgia and will save Georgia.”
“By the way, these questions are not
at all asked among soldiers and their
families and I appreciate it very much,”
Saakashvili added.
He also underscored that the newlyopened defence academy is one of the
best equipped, comfortable military educational institutions in the world. “In
terms of higher-education, we created
the highest standards for our military
here and that is one of the best parts of
Georgian society. This academy will
raise future well-known Georgian Generals,” stated the President.
with international standards by providing accommodation, adequate messing,
uniforms and medical service. The academy graduate is awarded with a bachelor’s degree and the military rank of
Lieutenant. The institution will prepare
officers in the following specializations:
infantry, engineering, logistics, tank,
mechanized artillery, aviation, air-defence and communications.
The academy’s bachelor’s programs
are provided by two schools: The Technical Sciences school, which offers specialties in the building of airdromes and
highways and information technologies,
and the Business and Management
school, which offers a program to attendees who are majoring in the specialties
of general management, logistics and
expediting. In addition, the academy
will have a master’s department. The
National Defence Academy also plans
to send its best students to high-level
international educational institutions via
an exchange program.
Education at the academy is fully financed by the Ministry of Defence of
Georgia.
The institution was founded on May
28, 1993. Under the decree of the Georgian government dated December 8,
2010 and on the base of National Defence Academy, LEPL “Davit Agmashenebeli National Defence Academy of
Georgia” was established as the only
high level military educational institution in Georgia.
The academy has received 150 students so far this year. They were enrolled
after passing national examinations as
well as physical and psychological tests.
Professors and academic staff have already been selected. Lectures will also
be delivered by invited foreign tutors.
The educational process to obtain a
bachelor’s degree will take four years
and to earn a master’s degree- an additional two years.
2011
11
RECTOR OF THE NATIONAL DEFENCE
ACADEMY, ANDRO BARNOVI:
We have already selected students after the entrance examinations held at the
Academy. They will get down to studying starting tomorrow. I can say for certain that this is the only institution where the students will have all the opportunities to receive both military and civil education. I will not exaggerate if I say
that the academy is one of the best educational establishments on an international level and everyone related to the academy-students, parents and military servants, will be content with the offered educational environment.
DEFENCE MINISTER OF GEORGIA
BACHO AKHALAIA:
“As you remember, three years ago, the Russians practically destroyed the
whole military facility. Only several buildings survived. Today we have opened
the rehabilitated National Defence Academy- which is another important step forward. Our soldiers are getting valuable practical experience in Afghanistan, which
also needs to be consolidated theoretically. I assure you that academy will be the
place where the best officers will be brought up to be capable and to perform their
duties in a worthy way.”
SENIOR SGT.
TORNIKE TVARADZE:
The attendees of the academy
were selected on the basis of the
sharp competition. I hope that they
will become valuable citizens and
officers of their country given their
physical and mental characteristics,
as well as the conditions offered by
the institute. They will be educated
and trained in the environment of
strict discipline and advanced technologies. We will not spare efforts
to achieve this goal.
LASHA NOZADZE (student) - It
turned out to be quite difficult to enter
the academy. My motivation to study
at the academy is to make an officer’s
career and to get ready for future military service. I hope that everything
will be as I expect and I will be prepared to serve my country.
GIORGI MESKHORADZE (student) -The National Defence Academy
offers every opportunity to the attendees to become a well-educated and dignified citizen. I hope that we will seize
this opportunity and will be well-prepared for the future service of the country.
ZVIAD KOPALEISHVILI (student) - My wish is to be a military servant-worthy officer and citizen of my
country. In addition, I would like to
get a good education. The National
Defence Academy is the very institution where I will be able to achieve
my goal.
12
2011
Open Day - Viking 2011
In the frame of NATO Partnership for
Peace Program (NATO/PfP) Georgia
hosted the exercise VIKING 2011 in
April.
The aim of the exercise was to deepen cooperation, interoperability and
credibility between NATO/PfP countries’ military, civilian, international and
non-governmental organizations.
VIKING 2011 was conducted virtually through a computer assisted simulation network. The main purpose of the
training was to improve cooperation
during peace support and crisis response
operations.
The organizers of the exercise created special software for the gaming. According to the scenario, through peace
support operations, coalition forces were
trying to achieve peace in an invented
country, “Bogaland”. The situation was
very close to reality. Events and incidents were modeled on current conflict
environments (Africa and Central Asia).
In VIKING 2011, the participants,
both military and civilians, represent 24
nations. The main organizer of the training was the Swedish Kingdom. The
main headquarters were located in Sweden, with brigade-level HQs function-
ing in Georgia, Austria, Germany, Ireland and Ukraine.
From the Georgian side, the training
was under the command of Colonel
Zurab Tomauri, Chief of the Operational Preparedness Division of J-3 Operational Planning Department, JS. The
main advisor from the Swedish part was
Major Durbion Johansson.
The First Deputy Minister of Defence Nodar Kharshiladze, Deputy
Chief of the Joint Staff of Georgian
Armed Forces Lieutenant-Colonel
Lasha Beridze, various foreign ambassadors and military attaches attended the
official closing ceremony of the exercises. “Along with the Georgian Armed
Forces personnel, representatives of
NATO countries and the Swedish Ministry of Defence took part in the multinational exercise VIKING 2011. During training an accent was made on the
improvement of such aspects as civilmilitary cooperation in crisis situations
and interoperability with international
forces”, declared Nodar Kharshiladze.
Representatives of the diplomatic
corps attended the final part of the exercise. They assessed the training process
positively. “It is very important that
Georgian soldiers are learning not only
military affairs but also mechanisms of
cooperation with civilian organizations.
For me as a civilian, it was very important to use humanitarian and civilian
aspects in the exercise”, stated the
Lithuanian ambassador, Mr. Jonas Paslauskas.
Officers of the Swedish and United
States armed forces attended the exercises in the capacity of advisors. The list
of guests invited to the command and
staff exercise involved officials from the
Interior and Foreign Ministries as well
as from various international and nongovernmental organizations. Around
130 military servicemen and civilians
were also involved in the training.
Military Exercise “Vaziani 2011”
The task-oriented field exercise “Vaziani 2011” was held on Vaziani firing
range. The military exercise involved various units of the Georgian Armed Forces.
The goal of the field exercise was to
improve the interoperability of the combined forces in defensive combat and to
streamline command and control in the
subordinate units.
The military training included four
phases. The first two phases included
preparation period and field tactical exercises. The third phase of the excises –
battalion-level field-tactical training –
was held on April 30.
A special program was developed for
the military exercise. According to the
program scenario, the major aim of the
exercise was to prevent the enemy from
gaining a bridgehead for the main forces
and from developing its offensive further.
“Vaziani 2011” was a large-scale exercise participated in by the aviation,
infantry, artillery, engineering and tank
units of the Georgian Armed Forces. In
total, the field exercise involved 678
military servants and 79 various pieces
of military equipment.
The exercise was commanded by the
Deputy Chief of JS of GAF, LTC Giorgi Kalandadze, responsible to report to
the Supreme-Commander of GAF,
Mikheil Saakashvili, Defence Minister
Bacho Akhalaia and Chief of JS of GAF,
Gen.-Maj. Devi Chankotadze.
President of Georgia Mikheil
Saakashvili attended the military exercise with his younger son Nikoloz. He
congratulated Georgian military servicemen on the Georgian Armed Forces
Anniversary: “I would like to congratulate you on the successful completion
of this military exercise. Today we have
witnessed once more that in spite of the
effort of our opponent forces to demolish our Armed Forces, demoralize our
combat personnel – our officers, our
soldiers, our corporals, our sergeants –
we have managed to maintain their combat spirit and strength, but also managed
to continue and hasten the modernization process recently. We don’t have any
illusions about who is our enemy. Of
course, the rival is hypothetical in each
exercise. But all of us know very well
who intervened in Georgia, who is occupying certain Georgian territories,
who has further aggressive plans towards Georgia. You all know quite well
that you are the main defenders of Georgia. Of course, when a country is in trouble and under attack, each citizen becomes a soldier; each citizen becomes a
protector of his motherland. But you are
2011
the major front and decisive line of our
defence, the most important guarantor
of the country’s future.
This is why we continue the full support of our Armed Forces, and modernization at maximum rates, and we will
continue until the Georgian Armed Forces are very well trained, equipped with
high standards and ready to carry out all
tasks and overcome all challenges that
we face.
“I would like to express gratitude
once more and continue working in this
way. I know that the Georgian Armed
Forces have undergone a range of serious reforms recently. I keep an eye on
this process and work on its improvement enduringly. Of course, each month,
each week, each day should be innovative for the development of the Georgian Armed Forces for the welfare of our
people”.
Georgian Defence Minister Bacho
Akhalaia also congratulated the Georgian soldiers on their professional day
and commented on the importance of the
military exercise: “Today’s event is very
important for each of us. Today we have
held one of the ordinary exercises coincided with the Anniversary of Georgian
13
Armed Forces. Within its context the
exercise is close to real combat operations. So this training really takes after
combat activities”.
One of the most important components of the training was the assessment
team. Military servicemen from the
Training and Military Education Command monitored the exercise on the battalion, company, platoon and squad level.
The head of the exercise Deputy
Chief of JS of GAF, LTC Giorgi Kalandadze explained the details of the training: “In the exercise we introduce innovation by which the units participated
in the training were shown on an electronic map by CTP. This means that we
can see interactions between our units
and the enemy online by UAV. By this
system we also have the possibility of
controlling Georgian airspace and aircraft activities wholly in the operational region. The exercise was held successfully. I can sum up that our units are
ready for a fast reaction.”
In connection with the anniversary
of the Georgian Armed Forces Day, 200
military servicemen were given service
awards.
Sachkhere Mountain Training School
The First Deputy Minister of Defence, Nodar Kharshiladze, visited Sachkhere Mountain Training School on
July12. Along with the Ambassador of
France to Georgia, Erik Furnie, the Deputy Minister opened the PfP (Partnership
for Peace) status board. Sachkhere
Mountain Training School received PfP
status several months ago. Thus, new
standard training courses will be
launched there in summer and autumn.
While visiting Sachkere Military
base the guests were briefed on the development process and scheduled trainings at the school.
Under PfP status, the school will train
the military units of NATO and its partner
countries’ armed forces. In September, the
instructors of Mountain Training School
will conduct the mountain training basic
summer course for the military servicemen of NATO countries. The central part
of the course consists of the practical exercises. Its aim is to provide soldiers with
basic mountaineering skills and enable
them to master operating in a mountain
environment. The exercise will be conducted in English and the students will be
provided with the appropriate mountaineering equipment during training.
Under the schedule of training, military servicemen from Poland, Czech
Republic, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia
will undergo training in Sachkhere
Mountain Training School, as well as
Georgian personnel.
The mountain exercises are conducted in six various specified training areas. Each area’s terrains are prepared by
the French and Georgian mountain instructors where safety measures are paramount. The training will be mainly conducted by Georgian military servicemen.
The school instructors were prepared
under a three-year program run by the
French mountain instructors group.
They underwent summer, as well as winter training courses. Since 2009, the
mountain instructors have been improving their skills at the High Mountain
Training School in France (EMHM).
Army will have high quality combat
units, and that is the product of such
exercises and trainings”.
The large-scale exercise involved
350 Marines from the Marine Corps’
Black Sea Rotational Force 11 based
in Constanta, Romania, an Anti-Terrorism Battalion based out of Bessemer,
Ala. and 450 military servicemen from
the Georgian 4th Infantry Brigade.
Head of Operational Preparation Division, J-3 Operational Planning Department of the Joint Staff of the GAF’
Colonel Zurab Tomauri’ was commanding the exercise on the Georgian
side and on the US side - LtCol. Nelson S. Cardella, commanding officer,
Black Sea Rotational Force 11.
“Our Marines are eager to train with
the Georgian Armed Forces to contin-
ue to build on an already strong partnership between our two countries,”
said LtCol. Nelson S. Cardella, commanding officer, Black Sea Rotational
Force 11. “We are grateful to the Georgian Armed Forces and to the people
of Georgia for hosting this important
training and contributing so much to
regional and international security.”
“We are very glad that Georgia hosts
this military exercise this year as the
military of both countries are working
together. Such kind of joint exercises
are necessary for them. I hope that each
participant of the exercise will successfully carry out their tasks,” declared the
Deputy Chief of Joint Staff of GAF, Col
Gigi Kalandadze. The combined exercise “Agile Spirit 2011” was officially
closed on August 1.
Open Day – “Agile Spirit 2011”
On July 22, the opening day of the
military exercise “Agile Spirit 2011”
was held at the Vaziani Training Area.
The combined military exercise
code named “Agile Spirit 2011”, with
the participation of U.S. Marines and
the 4th Infantry Brigade of the Georgian Armed Forces, began on July 18.
The focus of the exercise was to increase interoperability between the
Georgian and US forces and exchange
and enhance each other’s capability in
counterinsurgency and peacekeeping
operations.
The Defence Minister of Georgia
Bacho Akhalaia, the U.S. Ambassador
to Georgia John R. Bass, and other representatives of the Diplomatic Corps
attended the military exercise.
Ambassador Bass briefed those attending on the importance of strengthening the bilateral cooperation between
the two countries: “I am pleased to be
here to participate in this distinguished
visitors’ portion of the exercise. This
is an important part of our ongoing de-
fence cooperation between the United
States and Georgia. Today, for this period of the exercise- for these two
weeks- we have US marines training
alongside Georgian soldiers and also
helping train Georgian soldiers for the
types of mission that frankly both sets
of soldiers are going to be experiencing in Afghanistan. It is fully consistent with our commitment to support
the deployment, training and success of
Georgia in the coalition in Afghanistan
and to address the common challenges
that we are facing there to help stabilize Afghanistan and to defeat the Taliban and to bring the stability in that
region and in the world.”
The scenario of the military-field
exercise “Agile Spirit” provided to the
soldiers was as close as possible to the
real situation troops will face – the incidents are simulated according to the
ongoing conflict (Afghanistan). The
exercise was conducted by Georgian
soldiers and US Marines together.
They were carrying out “convoy, cordon and search operation.” They were
also trained to clear buildings of terrorists, seizing and disarming insurgents.
The Defence Minister Bacho
Akhalaia spoke on the importance of
the joint exercise, “The participation of
the Georgian military servicemen in
such exercises is very important. The
main goal of the exercise is to raise
combat capability of those battalions
which are taking part in this joint exercise. In this case, American as well as
Georgian soldiers are undergoing training together under the equal circumstances. Consequently, the Georgian
14
2011
2011 Season of Basketball Club “Armia”
The 2011 season became very successful for “Armia”. The basketball club
gained all titles of Georgian tournaments.
“ARMIA”- GEORGIAN
CUP WINNER
On the 1st of February “Armia”
became the winner of the ninth Georgian
Basketball Cup. In the final match, which
was organized in Tbilisi Sports Palace,
with difference of 20 points “Armia” defeated the team of Ministry of Internal
Affairs by the score 71:51 and became
the owner of the first title. The Final was
quite tense and spectacular. “Armia”
player Giorgi Sharabidze became the best
shooter and Anatoly Berishvili became
the best player of the competition.
“ARMIA” – SUPER LEAGUE CUP
CHAMPION
After the title of Georgian Cup Champion the Basketball team “Armia” gained
a title of Super League Cup. The Final
match was held on May 24, where
“Armia” beat “TSU” by the score of
65:61. During the interesting and deci-
sive match, Giorgi Sharabidze (securing
16 points to the team) and Davit Sakvarelidze (securing 14 points to the team)
showed the best play among the “Armia”
players. In the tournament, in which the
Final matches continued until one of the
teams gained three victories, “Armia”
won 3-1. At the awarding ceremony the
“Armia” players were provided with
medals and the Super League Cup.
Within the Georgian Basketball Super League “All Stars” show-game was
organized in Kutaisi Sports palace on
April 29. The four “Armia” players of
played against the “Nugzar Cheishvili’s
Team”. After the interesting and tense
game the match ended in draw with the
score 115:115. In the show-game
“Armia” player Kote Tugushi showed the
best play in the “three scores tournament”
and maintained the Victory title.
“ARMIA”- SUPER
CUP WINNER
“Armia” gained the Super Cup named
after Otar Korkia” on May 29. The tournament, where “Armia” competed with
the cup finalist team of the Ministry of
Internal Affairs “MIA”, ended by the
score 79:63 and became owner of the
“Otar Korkia Super Cup”. The best manager of the 2010-2011 basketball season
became the couch of the “Armia” Levan
Moseshvili and was awarded by the
“Giorgi Avalishvili’s Prize”. The best
player of the season became the captain
of the team Kote Tugushi. The member
of “Armia” Giorgi Sharabidze was named
as “The Best Young Basketball Player”
and was awarded by the “Zviad Mikadze’s Prize”.
After this victory the basketball club
“Armia” became the owner of the third
title.
The ongoing season turned up to be
very important for “Armia” as the basketball team took part in Euro Challenge
competition as well. Within the FIBA
Europe League “Armia” held in and out
matches against the three European bas-
ketball clubs: “Besiktas”, “Leiden” and
“Göttingen”. On the sixth tour of EuroChallenge Tournament “Armia” played
against “Leiden” in Van Sport Hall. The
game turned up to be very interesting and
tense. The Champion of Georgia lost the
game with 17 point difference after which
it stopped competition within the EuroChallenge Championship. It is also worth
to mention that during the ongoing year
“Armia” added some new foreign players.
2011
15
Rugby Team “Armia” Successful Debut
superiority of “Armia” players. They
grounded two balls against the rival
team. The Final match ended with the
victory of “Armia” by the score 26:16.
The ongoing year turned up to be
quite successful for Defence Ministry
rugby team “Armia”. Thus, the team
is newly created “Armia” finished its
debut season with big achievements
and showed the best results within the
ongoing championships. “Armia”
players gained all Champion titles.
“ARMIA” - THE SUPER
LEAGUE WINNER
Within the Super League tournament
Defence Ministry rugby team “Armia’
became a Champion of Georgia. On
November 5, in the Final match “Armia”
played against “Aia” Kutaisi. The match
was quite interesting and tense. In the
first period Kutaisi rugby team had noticeable advantage but in the second
period “Armia” mobilized itself and finished the game in its favor by the score
29:22. From the “Armia” team two tries
were grounded by Giorgi Tkhilaishvili
and Giga Gagoshvili.
“ARMIA” – THE GEORGIAN
CUP HOLDER
After gaining the title of Super
League Champion, Georgian Defence
Rugby team “Armia” made a double and
became the Georgian Cup winner on
November 26. The last match of the
ongoing season between “Armia” and
“Kochebi” was held on “Avchala” stadium. The entire game went on with the
“ARMIA” – WINNER OF
SEVEN-MAN RUGBY
Defence Ministry Rugby club
“Armia” became a Champion of Georgia in Seven-man rugby on December
4. The third round of the championship
in seven-man rugby was going on at the
“Shevardeni Training base” during two
days. The first day of the Georgian
Championship went on in favor of
“Armia”. Defence Ministry Rugby team
beat “TBC” by the score 53:0, “Devebi” 64:0, “Batumi” 47:0. After the third
round “Armia” became a semi-finalist.
In the semi-final, Defence Ministry Rugby team gained victory over “Lokomotivi” by the score 19:5. In the final match
of the ongoing tour “Armia” played versus “Batumi”. A very interesting match
was won by “Armia” players by the
score 43:0. The best player of the Championship was named “Armia” player
Giorgi Shkinini. But a member of
“Armia” team Aleksandre Tuchashvili
grounded the most balls.
Rugby team “Armia” made its debut
on the 27the of March and achieved a
convincing victory in the first phase of
the Georgian Rugby Championship. The
tournament with participation of 16
teams was held in Tbilisi at the rugby
stadium “Shevardeni” on the 26-27th of
March. “Armia” players beat the rugby
team of Kutaisi “Aia” with the score
19:14 and gained the title of the “Spring
Champion”.
The rugby team “Armia” was established under the support of Defence
Ministry of Georgia. The head coach of
the team is a veteran rugby player Nikoloz Chavchavadze.
16
2011
Reserve Service
Ministry of Defence of Georgia expresses readiness to train people willing to undergo voluntary reserve service on a stage
by stage basis. According to the Georgian law in force “On Military Reserve Service”, only those citizens are allowed to
enlist in voluntary reserve who does not have to undergo compulsory reserve service.
Interested candidates should contact 2 75 26 44; 577 393 700; 577 393 701; 577 393 702 or send information to the e-mail
address: rezervi@mod.gov.ge. The information must include name and surname of the interested candidate, date of birth,
place of residence and telephone number.
The representatives of the Ministry of Defence are carrying out registration, after which comes gathering of voluntaries and
providing them with detailed information. The last stage will be trainings.

MO Gruzije - MyCity Military

Transcription

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