MO Gruzije - MyCity Military
Transcription
MO Gruzije - MyCity Military
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 MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT OF GEORGIA TODAY 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 MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT OF GEORGIA TODAY 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 MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT OF GEORGIA TODAY 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 MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT OF GEORGIA TODAY 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 MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT OF GEORGIA TODAY 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 MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT OF GEORGIA TODAY 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 MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT OF GEORGIA TODAY 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 MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT OF GEORGIA TODAY 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 MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT OF GEORGIA TODAY 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 MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT OF GEORGIA TODAY 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 MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT OF GEORGIA TODAY 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 MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT OF GEORGIA TODAY 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 MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT OF GEORGIA TODAY 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 MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT OF GEORGIA TODAY 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: [email protected]. 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.