JULY 2007 ISSUE #1
Entrance
Exams at the
National
Defence
Academy
The second stage of entrance
examinations for Junior Officers
Training Courses is underway at
the National Defence Academy
of the Ministry of Defence of
Georgia.
The examination in general
skills was followed by the test
in physical preparedness. The
entrants were to demonstrate
their capabilities and compete in
three types of physical exercises
– they had to run 3200 meters in
a fixed amount of time and do
push-ups and press exercises.
The admissions commission
will summarize the final results
next week and will publish the list
of the enrolled students at the Jun-
ior Officers Training Courses.
We asked the Head of D. Ag-
mashenebeli National Defence
Academy Col. Tariel Londaridze
to comment on the examination
process.
Continued on p.4
Russia
Transfers
Control of
Akhalkalaki
Military Base
to Georgia
The Russian 62nd Military
Base in Akhalkalaki is now offi-
cially Georgian property. Russia
officially transferred this Soviet-
era base to Georgia on June 27.
The Act of Handover and
Acceptance was signed at the
Ministry of Defence of Georgia.
On behalf of Georgia the docu-
ment was signed by the First
Deputy Defence Minister Levan
Nikoleishvili and by the Com-
mander of the Group of Russian
Forces in Transcaucasia Major
General Andrei Popov from the
Russian side.
“The Akhalkalaki base is one
of the big bases in terms of in-
frastructure and had a very im-
portant role for the Russian forc-
es. For us, it is one of the indica-
tors of our liberation and of the
freedom and independence from
the Russian forces,” said Levan
Nikoleishvili, First Deputy De-
fence Minister.
Construction of the N1 Mili-
tary Base in Akhalkalaki, the 62nd
Military Base after the Soviet
Occupation started in 1910.
Continued on p.3
Georgia will be accepted
into NATO with its full
territorial integrity intact
An Interview with Deputy Defence Minister, Batu Kutelia
A few days ago, the fifth
consultation was held in Brus-
sels in the framework of the In-
tensified Dialogue. How is this
ID process between NATO and
Georgia being implemented?
How does Brussels estimate
the ongoing relationship?
First of all let me indicate that
a few days ago we had the fifth
round of negotiations in the for-
mat of the Intensified Dialogue
which concluded the one year
cycle, the first phase of the In-
tensified Dialogue, where we
covered all the topics on the
agenda including political, mili-
tary, financial, security, and con-
flict issues. The assessment of
this Intensified Dialogue showed
us it really was intensified be-
cause we covered all the major
details of Georgia’s Euro-Atlan-
tic aspirations, Georgia’s demo-
cratic reforms, and domestic po-
litical affairs as well as reforms
particularly relating to the Min-
istry of Defence and the Geor-
gian Armed Forces.
After the successful comple-
tion of Intensified Dialogue,
the logical step in the relation-
ship between NATO and Geor-
gia is the Membership Action
Plan (MAP). What new re-
sponsibilities will this format
bring to Georgia? During the
implementation of the MAP
“Join the reserve, it’s cool”
Compulsory Reserve Con-
scription continues. Training has
started in Kojori, Mukhrovani,
Telavi and Senaki Reserve Ba-
The first day of Reserve Service
ses. We visited the Kojori facili-
ty just as the reservists were get-
ting their uniforms.
Students and males above 27
years will undergo a compulso-
ry service in Kojori. Here, mili-
tary life begins at 6 a.m. and lasts
until evening. Instructors try to
which country should be a suc-
cess story for us?
It is a very complex question,
first of all there are stages and
steps that NATO has in terms of
bringing new countries on board
Batu Kutelia at NATO HQ
and all the aspirant countries
have to pass these stages. Of
course each of these steps has its
own aspects and they should be
fulfilled successfully otherwise
the ambition of a next step would
not be realistic. Since Georgia
successfully conducted first
phase of its Intensified Dialogue,
and is also very successfully im-
plementing its Individual Part-
nership Action Plan which in its
structure most looks like the
Membership Action Plan docu-
ment as well we are confident
impart maximum knowledge to
their military trainees over 18
days. Senior Lieutenant Levan
Kvernadze is one of the instruc-
tors who try to get reservists fa-
miliar with daily combat details
from the morning to the evening.
Before starting the training pro-
gram, the Senior Lieutenant gets
reservists acquainted with the
dress code.
Levan Kerdzevadze: “It is not
that there will be a moment in
the nearest future when Georgia
should be granted Membership
Action Plan as a logical contin-
uation of its Euro-Atlantic am-
bitions and aspirations. But this
is a political decision which
should made by the 26 NATO
nations and it doesn’t mean that
the information process that we
started should be stopped while
we wait for a decision. The re-
forms that we are doing we are
doing for ourselves. It’s our pri-
ority to have conducted demo-
cratic reforms, to have viable,
well equipped Armed Forces,
and have adequate financial re-
sources dedicated to our nation’s
security.
Continued on p.2
hard to work with reservists. We
are trying to give them maxi-
mum knowledge during 18 days.
Preparation of reservists will be
conducted annually and I think
during the next gathering they
will deepen their received expe-
rience and knowledge.”
The life of the reservists be-
gins at 6 a.m. They have physi-
cal exercises till 7 o’clock, after
which they are busy with person-
nel hygiene. They have breakfast
at 8 a.m. One hour later they
have lessons. During the whole
day, reservists undergo tactical,
fire, topographic and practical
training. After every hour they
have a 10 minute break. From 9
p.m. they have free time and they
have right to be in civilian dress.
All reservists go to bed at 10 p.m.
“I think their daily schedule
is not hard. Everyone should do
the same. The next day I see the
results and they are all in good
shape. Everyone who comes
here fulfills his obligations,”
Kerdzevadze says.
Continued on p.2
Georgian Peacekeepers patrolling a bridge in Iraq
Contributes to the
Global Security
Interview with the Chief of Joint Staff of the
Georgian Armed Forces Col. Zaza Gogava
NATO/PfP Cooperation
Exercise Kicks Off
At 10:00 on Wednesday, 11
July 2007, Polish Colonel Ka-
zimierz Dynski from Allied Air
Component Command Head-
quarter Ramstein conducted the
opening ceremony for the
NATO/PfP exercise Cooperative
Archer 2007 (COAR 07) at Ale-
kseevka Military Airbase in the
southeast of Tbilisi, Georgia.
In addition to distinguished
visitors including the Georgian
Opening ceremony of “Cooperative Archer”
Chief of the Joint Staff, Colonel
Zaza Gogava, the Polish Exer-
cise Director addressed the par-
ticipants from five NATO mem-
ber nations, eight Partner Na-
tions and Jordan, a member of
NATO’s Mediterranean Dia-
logue. The ceremony of what is
a NATO exercise in this country
was covered by both internation-
al and national media represen-
tatives.
In his speech, Colonel Dyns-
ki underscored the importance of
conducting the exercise in a safe
manner and in compliance with
existing rules and directives.
According to him it was para-
mount to take a look at how al-
lies and partners implement cri-
sis response measures and to fo-
cus on how to further improve
each other’s approach in that
Look inside, p.2
field. He encouraged all NATO
and non-NATO participants to
make sure the learning goes in
both directions.
Georgian Air Force Com-
mander, Colonel David Nairash-
vili, in his welcome remarks ex-
plained that the Caucasus repub-
lic has very specific objectives
for the exercise including de-
plorability, search and rescue and
aero medical evacuation and
humanitarian cargo air drop. he
also hoped that COAR07 will
help to build mutual confidence
and understanding of other coun-
tries’ cultures and traditions.
Aircrews from the 13 partic-
ipating nations and the exercise
staff were gathered outside an
aircraft hanger at Alekseevka
Airbase adjacent to Tbilisi’s air-
port waiting to start training ac-
tivities. A workshop will be con-
ducted during the first week in
preparation of live-fly exercise
in the second week.
“Fly safely, follow rules
closely and focus on learning
opportunities,” Colonel Dynski
said – words which can be re-
garded as the motto for Cooper-
ative Archer 2007. NATO’s first
ever exercise in Georgia will last
until 19 July.
2 MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT OF GEORGIA TODAY
Georgia will be accepted Contributes to the Global Security
into NATO with its full Interview with the Chief of Joint Staff of the Georgian Armed Forces Col. Zaza Gogava
territorial integrity intact
An Interview with Deputy Defence Minister, Batu Kutelia
Continued from p.1
We aren’t implementing these reforms
to please NATO, so these are two paral-
lel things and of course we are very much
looking forward to this decision, but this
is a decision to be made by NATO and
by 26 nations based on our performance.
We are not in a position to say any par-
ticular dates but for us as soon as it hap-
pens it will be more beneficial.
Some believe that NATO integra-
tion will result in the loss of the terri-
tories (I mean Abkhazia and South
Ossetia). What arguments exist that
this will not happen?
First of all, let me start by pointing
out that NATO isn’t just an organization.
It is a political – military alliance of 26
democratic nations and each of them
recognize Georgia and its territorial in-
tegrity. This means, therefore, that Geor-
gia’s NATO integration is synonymous
with Georgia’s integration into the or-
ganization as a full territory and nobody
is speaking about violating Georgia’s
sovereignty. This is the first major ar-
gument. The next argument is the nu-
merous statements made by NATO and
other high officials – and also NATO
member country representatives – that
Georgia’s territorial integrity is an issue
which will be never questioned and if
Georgia is adopted into NATO it will be
adopted in its full territorial integrity.
Will NATO integration accelerate
the conflict resolution process?
First of all if we look at the history of
these conflicts, we can see that they were
artificially provoked and stimulated and
there was no real hatred between the cit-
izens and different nationalities. Nowa-
days circumstances indicate to us that the
“Join the reserve, it’s cool”
Continued from p.1
Reservist service is equally compul-
sory for officials and famous persons and
also to their children. Everyone is equal
under the law. The son of the famous ac-
tor Zurab Kapianidze, Beknu Kapianidze
undergoes 18 days compulsory service
in the Kojori battalion. On the very first
day the student of Theatre and Art Insti-
tute had formed his impressions. He has
already realized where he’ll use knowl-
edge gained within 18 days.
Beknu Kapianidze: “I came here
with good feelings. I am sure that I will
gain lots of knowledge. 18 days is a
short period, but I will have rather dif-
ferent result after undergoing 18 days
reserve service three times. Many of my
friends had already undertaken reserve
service. All of them returned with pos-
itive feelings and are also going to un-
dergo reserve service the second and
third time.
I am studying drama. But this knowl-
edge will not be useful neither in per-
formance nor in cooking. It will be ade-
quate by that time when it is necessary
for our country. Isn’t the army crucial
for the country? Simply, when you de-
fend your country, it is just your obliga-
tion, the obligation of every person, isn’t
it true?
May God save Georgia, but you have
to know such simple things as shooting,
disassembling and assembling of a gun
and how to behave in extreme situations.
More than that, what you can learn
here is the discipline. The main thing is
that if you are needed for your country
whether it is wartime or any other situa-
main concerns of our Abkhazian and
Ossetian compatriots are the maintenance
of their cultural identity and, to some
extent, their political independence.
These are guarantees which are autho-
rized not only by Georgia’s joining
NATO but also by all the 26 member na-
tions who are the most prominent repre-
sentatives of the democratic world and
democratic family. Their identity will be
absolutely guaranteed by the world’s
most powerful political military alliance.
This is one of the strongest arguments
why NATO membership will accelerate
the conflict resolution process.
Recently the NATO-Russia rela-
tionship became much friendlier. Rus-
sia is against Georgia’s membership
in the Alliance. How will this warm
relationship affect Georgia’s integra-
tion ambitions?
We strongly support any type of
warm – and even the warmest – rela-
tionship between Russia and any inter-
national organization and especially
with NATO. This is because today Rus-
sia – just like Georgia – is a member of
the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council
(EAPC) and this is a forum where we
have all the possibilities to discuss a lot
of outstanding issues. Therefore we are
very positive about that type of relation.
I would also like to say again that Geor-
gia - NATO relations are only the busi-
ness of Georgia and NATO, and no third
party will intervene. This is the main
position of NATO as well. So, if NATO
- Russia relations really become very
warm and they achieve a common un-
derstanding of their future partnership,
then it will positively affect Georgia’s
NATO integration.
by Nino Gogochishvili
tion, you should simply have some ex-
perience. This is the most important
thing; if you do not behave bravely it
doesn’t have any significance.”
The reservists above 27 years old are
talking about the necessity of undergo-
ing reserve service. These 18 days are
particularly significant for John Shubit-
idze. He has his 33rd birthday on July
22. Till now the future reservist celebrat-
ed his birthday traditionally with the
family.
“I will celebrate my birthday party
here as it is suitable for military service.
If I were not here I would know how to
celebrate the party, but here I have to be
adequate to the situation as it is neces-
sary. Perhaps this day will be the most
different, first of all because I am be-
coming 33 years old and second because
I will be quite in an unusual regime
though still in friendly environment.
As for reserve service, the first sense
I felt is that the officers are on the ap-
propriate level as the necessary strict-
ness and discipline was evident from the
very first day. I have served and know
that it was not a real army. The knowl-
edge received here we will use for the
goal of restoration of the territorial in-
tegrity of Georgia,” stated Shubitidze.
The first conscription of reservist
started on March 31. According to the
law, more than 20 thousand reservists will
be prepared by the end of 2007. The mil-
itary bases in Kutaisi, Batumi and Gori
are planned to start functioning in 2008.
In the next 5 years, the Georgian
Armed Forces will have a reserve force
of 100 thousand officers.
by Rusudan Tsimakuridze
Georgia has been participating in In-
ternational Peacekeeping Operations
since 1999. The Chief of the Joint Staff
of the Georgian Armed Forces Col. Zaza
Gogava shares his opinion regarding
Georgia’s contribution to these peace-
keeping operations.
The Georgian Armed Forces are
actively participating in peacekeeping
operations and Georgian units have
been deployed in Kosovo and the Per-
sian Gulf since 1999. Was there any
one factor that determined this deci-
sion?
The first time Georgian military ser-
vicemen were sent on a peacekeeping
mission was in 1999. On the basis of a
bilateral military agreement concluded
between Georgia and Turkey, a platoon-
size special-purpose unit was serving
under the company of the Turkish
Armed Forces. This decision was stipu-
lated by the fact that Georgia has long
been on its way to NATO Integration and
we think it is necessary to share the ex-
perience of NATO member countries.
According to NATO Secretary
General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, Geor-
gia is not only a consumer of interna-
Georgian Peacekeepers on duty
tional security but also makes its own
contribution to securing world peace
and stability. What does this partici-
pation mean for Georgia?
I fully agree with this statement.
Membership in the Alliance does not just
mean receiving benefits. It is a well-
known fact that collective defence is one
of the essential factors of NATO policy.
So Georgia is not only a consumer but
it is an active contributor to world secu-
rity. The first and foremost goal of Geor-
gia’s participation in these peacekeep-
ing operations is to gain broad experi-
ence, achieve a correlation and synthe-
sis with NATO forces and moreover,
increase professionalism.
Before being sent on a peacekeep-
ing mission our military undergoes
the Pre-deployment Peacekeeping
Operations Training Course at the
Krtsanisi National Training Center.
What elements does the program in-
clude and how long does it last?
Before being deployed, Georgian
soldiers are trained at the Krtsanisi Na-
tional Training Center. The training lasts
for six weeks. These Georgian service-
men receive training in patrolling, es-
corting, setting up checkpoints, protec-
tion of buildings and evacuation. At this
stage there is a three-week training pro-
gram for the brigade staff at Krtsanisi
National Training Center. The Georgian
military is learning the control of com-
bat operations for the first time in histo-
ry of the Georgian Armed Forces. The
trainings are conducted by the Ameri-
Chief of Joint Staff Col. Zaza Gogava
can and Georgian instructors. It’s worth
mentioning that our soldiers frequently
deserve the positive evaluations from the
U.S. instructors. I am confident that they
will do their best and fulfill the peace-
keeping mission successfully.
According to a decision of the Pres-
ident of Georgia, the number of the
Georgian peacekeeping contingent in
Iraq has increased. How many of our
troops are in Iraq as of today and
where will they be deployed?
The number of the Georgian peace-
keepers in Iraq will be increased to 2,000.
Today the overall number of our service-
men there is 850.550 of them are de-
ployed in Baghdad and 300 in Baqubah.
By the end of July an additional 1,150
servicemen will join our units there. The
Georgian brigade will be deployed in the
province of Wassit, in Al Kut where they
will perform their mission.
From now on the mission will be
undertaken by the brigade instead of
the battalion. What kind of operations
will they have to carry out and how
important is their mission?
At present our battalions are serving
in the so called “Green Zone.” They are
safeguarding the UN Mission building
and other important facilities in Bagh-
dad. Our servicemen are also protect-
ing several checkpoints. As for the bat-
talion stationed in Baqubah, their duties
include the protection of checkpoints on
the bridges across the Diyala and Asyan-
da rivers. If we compare this to the new
mission, I’d say it will be more signifi-
cant as Georgian soldiers will have to
control the whole province of Wassit,
whether there will be terrorist attacks or
some other cases. Most important of all,
they will have to control the main ar-
tery of Iraq linking the country to neigh-
boring Iran. There is information that the
terrorists are supplied with arms and oth-
er smuggled goods. The Georgian Bri-
gade will perform its peacekeeping mis-
JULY 2007 ISSUE #1
sion together with the U.S. 3rd Division
Command. For some reason the infor-
mation was spread in Georgia that only
Georgian servicemen are going to serve
there but as you see this was disinfor-
mation.
A couple of months ago you visit-
ed Iraq and held meetings with the
Coalition Forces Command and Ira-
qi Defence Minister. How do they
evaluate the preparedness of Geor-
gian soldiers?
I can proudly say that our units and
our military received high evaluations
from the Coalition Command. During
private talks all countries of the Coali-
tion Forces expressed a sincere desire
to perform a peacekeeping mission with
our Georgian soldiers.
Georgian soldiers are getting real
combat experience in the Iraq theatre.
It is very important for our country
as the number of experienced soldiers
is increasing. What perspectives can
they expect after they return from
their mission and what does the De-
fence Ministry offer them?
I have only one answer to this ques-
tion – a soldier always obeys orders. So
whether the motherland sends them to
Iraq, Afghanistan or the Tskhinvali region
to perform a peacekeeping mission it does
not mean that they will enjoy certain priv-
ileges. Each soldier of the Georgian
Armed Forces enjoys equal rights. They
are equally important for us and there
should be no doubt about this.
A considerable number of the
Georgian soldiers volunteer to serve
in Iraq. To what reason do you ascribe
this fact?
This is directly linked with one factor
– they are given the opportunity to par-
ticipate in real combat operations. I can
also name another factor which is the
chance to get experience from our for-
eign colleagues. And a third reason: ev-
ery soldier is interested in raising their
professionalism in extreme situations. I’d
compare this with cases when civilians
go abroad to improve their education. The
last factor could be the salaries. Our sol-
diers receive leave expenses when they
serve under risk and at the same time re-
tain their salaries here in Georgia.
Is there any talk about sending
Georgian units to assist in the NATO-
led operation ISAF in Afghanistan?
A Georgian contingent was sent on a
one-time mission to Afghanistan in 2003
during the presidential elections and we
are having negotiations on this issue right
now. NATO wants to see a company-size
Georgian unit in ISAF. We think that at
this stage we’ll send only a platoon – I
mean one unit of Special Forces.
by Khatia Kurashvili
JULY 2007 ISSUE #1
Russia Transfers Control of Akhalkalaki Military Base to Georgia
Signing ceremony
Continued from p.1
Since that, 196 facilities were built on
12,824 hectares of land, among them sev-
en headquarters, seven barracks, three
mess-halls, one officers’ house, a hospi-
tal, two schools – one of them a music
school – one kindergarten, two music
clubs and other technical facilities.
“The agreement between the Russian
Federation and Georgia on terms and
Georgia is a Tremendous Place
to Work and to Live
(Former US Defense Attache in Georgia)
Mr. Hester, you were the US De-
fence Attache in Georgia from 2004
until June, 2007. Was it interesting
for you to work in Georgia? What ex-
pectations did you have before arriv-
al in Georgia and do these expecta-
tions fulfilled?
It was incredibly interesting and re-
warding to serve in Georgia for almost
three years as Defence Attache. Really,
what a Field Grade officer hopes to be
able to do in any job he serves in is to
“make a difference” and have an impact.
I believe that certainly happened in
Georgia. A Lieutenant Colonel or Colo-
nel is able to have an influence on U.S.
and Georgian policy and events in Geor-
gia that would simply be impossible in
many jobs.
My expectations were to assist the
development and institutionalization of
a young but ambitious Georgian Minis-
try of Defence and I truly think that hap-
pened. Of course, I played a very small
role, even if it is a role I will always re-
member fondly. It was an honor to serve
at the U.S. Embassy under Ambassador
John Tefft, who has such tremendous
experience and patience. I think his be-
ing in Tbilisi during this formative peri-
od of Georgian history has been invalu-
able for Georgia.
In working with the Georgian Armed
Forces, it was made so much easier and
more rewarding by the wealth of talent-
ed and forward-thinking leaders, includ-
ing the Chief of Defence, his two Depu-
ties, the Land Force Commander, the
National Guard Commander, and on and
on. Some may say they are “young” but
I truly felt that they embodied the best
that Georgia has to offer and I believe
they will still be occupying key positions
of responsibility as Georgia works to-
wards NATO membership in the future.
What does it mean to be USA De-
fence Attaché in Georgia?
It means working in a very “hands-
on” manner at the crossroads of 1) U.S.
and Georgian policy, 2) U.S. operation-
al interests, and 3) tactical implementa-
tion of some vital projects. For policy,
it means having an ability to serve as a
conduit for information and communi-
Rules of Temporary Functioning and
Withdrawal of the Russian Military
Bases and Other Military Facilities of
the Group of Russian Military Forces in
South Caucasus Deployed on the Terri-
tory of Georgia” was signed on March
31, 2006 in Sochi. The official With-
drawal Process of Akhalkhalaki Military
Base started in 2006 and since then the
territory of the base was permanently
vacated of Russian military equipment,
cation between the Georgian MoD offi-
cials and U.S. officials- to ensure we
have a common understanding of our
common issues, such as progress in the
Individual Partnership Action Plan.
Operationally, it means helping to coor-
dinate Georgian participation in inter-
national operations, and issues that arise.
As you aware, Georgia has one of the
Former US Defence Attache
LTC. Alan Hester
highest levels of contribution to coali-
tion operations and that is very much
appreciated. Tactically, it means help-
ing to implement the very important
U.S. –Georgian security assistance pro-
grams that indeed help Georgia to be-
come more NATO interoperable as well
as to become better prepared to serve in
coalition operations. Of course, the day
to day operations of these specific pro-
grams are implemented by our Office
of Defence Cooperation, led by LTC
Bob Hamilton, who does a tremendous
job.
The US-Georgia cooperation has
always been going very well, but dur-
ing your working period many inter-
esting projects have been implement-
ed in Georgia. In your opinion, which
project was the most successful?
Well, the SSOP programs have been
incredibly successful. They took up
where the Georgia Train and Equip Pro-
gram (GTEP) left off, and have helped
Georgia create a well-trained, profes-
MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT OF GEORGIA TODAY
3
material and technical facilities and mil-
itary personnel.
The Istanbul Summit served as the
prerequisite for the withdrawal of Sovi-
et troops from Georgia.
“In Soviet times, Georgia was in the
southeast quarter of the Soviet Union
and was therefore one of the most im-
portant locations for Soviet troops to be
stationed against NATO forces – I mean
in this case Turkey. We started negotia-
tions with Russia about the withdrawal
of these former Soviet forces in 1999 at
the Istanbul Summit. At that time what
we achieved was the small goal of mov-
ing one of the main military bases, like
Vasiani. Vasiani base was important be-
cause it was located near the capital of
Georgia and somehow it was one of the
tools used by the Soviet Union and then
later by Russia to gain leverage against Withdrawal of Russian Bases
an independent Georgia and against the
capital. The first base withdrawn from we have only Batumi military base moved and Georgia will be fully inde-
Georgia was the Vasiani military Base. which should be moved at the end of pendent from any military presence,”
Finally it was closed and this was a very 2007 and once that happens it can be declared the First Deputy Defence Min-
good beginning of the end of the Soviet said that Georgia will be fully clear of ister, Levan Nikoleishvili.
and Russian troops’ presence in Geor- Russian bases. One of the main indica- Recently antitank and anti-personnel
gia. The next one to be closed was one tors is that we have not shared any oc- mines, rocket launchers and other mili-
of the main military headquarters in the cupation tools in Georgia, except in the tary equipment were discovered on the
Trancaucasus, in Georgia, in Tbilisi. case of Gudauta and some peacekeep- territory of Akhalkalaki Military Base.
After that, one of the huge military bases ing forces which we have in South Os- According to the Georgian – Russian
in Akhalkalaki – which is located near setia and Abkhazia. I hope that very soon Agreement the withdrawal process will
the border of Turkey – was closed. Now these two remaining units will also be be completed by the end of 2008.
Georgian Navy Day
sional force – three brigades, whose in-
fantry battalions have all been able to
positively and successfully contribute to
coalition operations and serve alongside
U.S. forces. They were successful be-
cause of the communication and coop-
eration between Georgian officials and
our DAO/ODC team. Of course, they
were ultimately successful because of
the spirit and willingness to learn of
Georgian soldiers and their leaders.
The facets of these programs that
likely have the most long term effect are
those where the Georgian Training
Command has developed the tools to Celebrating Navy Day
continue these programs themselves.
For example, the U.S. helped train over The Georgian Navy celebrates the 15th anniversary today. The solemn ceremony
70 Basic Combat Training instructors. to mark Georgian Navy Day was held in Poti harbor.
The Krtsanisi Training Center (KTA) The Chief of Joint Staff of the Georgian Armed Forces, Col. Zaza Gogava and
leadership took this instruction to heart Commander of the Georgian Navy Col. Koba Ghurtskaia congratulated the military
and has since conducted numerous iter- personnel on the Naval Forces’ 15th anniversary. The solemn ceremony was attended
ations of high-quality Basic Training by the Deputy Chief of Joint Staff of the Georgian Armed Forces and other high-
with no further assistance. There are ranking officials. A representative of the Turkish Attaché’s Office, Commander Ibraym
possibilities for the Krtsanisi Training Iasikaya also participated in the event.
Center to become even more capable in After the congratulations, Navy personnel paraded and A-type 24-28 fast boats
the future. conducted maneuvers in the waters of the Poti harbor.
What recommendations did you A concert designed specially for the representatives of the Georgian Navy was
held at Gunia Drama Theatre in Poti.
give to the new Defence Attache?
Colonel Brand comes to Georgia far
more experienced than I was three years
ago, so I would not pretend to give ad-
vice. Georgia is a tremendous place to
work, to live, and to make an impact,
and I am sure Colonel Brand will find
that to be the case as well.
What are your wishes for Georgia
and Georgian Armed Forces?
My family and I already miss Tbili-
si. We miss the waterfall in the botani-
cal gardens in Tbilisi, the hiking trails
in Borjomi, the boardwalk in Batumi,
and much more. Sometimes, you just
have to move on, but I hope to come
back as a visitor and find a Georgia that
is continuing to develop, and is more
prosperous than when I left. I hope to
see a Georgia that has further developed
its growing democratic values and is
continuing to integrate into western in-
stitutions. For the Armed Forces, it is
my sincere wish that it continues to work
with the United States not just as a close
partner, but as a member of NATO.
by Nini Bakradze Navy Personnel at the Military Parade
4 MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT OF GEORGIA TODAY
Entrance Exams at the National Defence Academy
Continued from p.1
Are there any certain features that
distinguish the second stage of exam-
inations from the previous one?
The second stage of entrance exami-
nations is not different by its content. The
principle of the selection process is the
same. The intrants have to pass tests in
general skills and physical preparedness.
The difference is, that in the previous
round the entrants where enrolled only
on the Land Forces Infantry Junior Of-
ficers’ Training Courses. On the second
stage we added other specialties as well
- artillery, navy and aviation.
Interest in the Georgian Army is very
high among the youth. This was proved
by the increased number of entrants. 900
applicants expressed desire to participate
in the second stage of exams. 837 sub-
mitted the applications and only 660 of
them were admitted to the exams by the
Medical Commission.
Only 311 applicants had received
enough points to attend the physical pre-
paredness exams for the Junior Offic-
ers’ Course “B”. The competition dur-
ing the second stage is as fierce as it was
on the first one, so it gives us the possi-
bility to complete the Officers’ Courses
only with the best students.
What kind of curriculum will en-
rolled students have and how long will
the training process last?
In case the entrants pass the exami-
nations successfully they will be en-
rolled on the faculties of their choice.
Every course is different with its curric-
ulum and terms of training process. The
curriculum of each course consists of
theoretical, practical and field trainings.
The Junior Officers’ Courses are con-
ducted according to NATO require-
ments. The educational system is com-
prised of 3 stages and includes five, three
and twenty-one weeks. The student who
will successfully pass the first stage will
move to the next stage and so on. The
initial program is the Basic Combat
Training Course that lasts for five weeks.
The student will undergo trainings at
Sachkhere Mountain Training School
according to individual programs. The
Tamar Mgebrishvili passing a physical test
entrants will be trained in fire support,
patrolling, topography and necessary
skills for setting-up the check points.
They will gain all necessary military
skills. Training in the first medical aid
is also stipulated.
The next stage includes three-week
courses for the candidate officers. The
students will receive trainings with their
pairs. The concluding part of the training
is the main officers’ training course that
lasts for twenty-one weeks. The training
is carried out by group-combined system
and includes patrolling, arrangement of
patrol base, planning-performing attacks
and defence operations.
Have you made any changes to
curriculum and when the third round
is planned?
Of course, there is news regarding
the education process. The main chang-
es refer to practical and field exercises.
These exercises are conducted in inte-
gration with the commands and units.
Besides this, the regional principle will
be considered.
Concerning the third stage of the se-
lection process, presumably it will be
implemented in November. The novel-
ty is that the armor, engineering, com-
munication, logistics and other kinds of
trainings for the platoon commanders is
also planned. The graduate lieutenants
from Infantry Officers Training Cours-
es will undergo the above-mentioned
course. This course is aimed at nurtur-
ing educated, professional officers’
corps, which will expose the characters
of modern NATO–standard officers.
This will serve as the pre-requisite for
the development of the Georgian Army.
This year female representatives
also participated in the entrance ex-
ams. How can you explain their inter-
est in becoming part of this tough and
risky profession of a soldier?
The first reason is that the Georgian
Army is strengthening and developing.
There is extremely huge interest from
youth. If to serve in the army and to wear
the uniform was not prestigeous before,
nowadays to wear the king’s coat is a
matter of pride and dignity. It is a very
pleasant that the girls are interested to
serve in the Georgian Army. During the
pre-exam period we received lot tele-
phone calls from females. Each of them
expressed the extreme desire to partici-
pate in the Officers Program. This was
the reason that the females were given
the possibility to participate in this ex-
amination process.
During the interview the exams were
underway in the yard of the Defence
Academy. We took advantage of this sit-
uation and talked with some of the par-
ticipants.
Tamar Mgebrishvili is 25 years old.
She graduated from Tbilisi State Uni-
versity.
“I decided to serve in the army after I
learned about the tragic events of 9 April
1989. I remember exclamations and as-
pirations for freedom of Georgians stand-
ing against the background of tanks.
Now I would like to serve in the
Georgian Armed Forces and become the
officer of the independent Georgia.”
How does your family evaluate
your decision?
My family evaluates my decision
very positively. During the examination
process they wished me success and they
hope I’ll reach my goal by all means.
Without good knowledge to receive
a desired result is impossible. Do you
agree with me?
Of course, I agree. That’s why I de-
cided to pass the exams at Defence Na-
tional Academy.
First when I heard about entrance ex-
aminations from TV, I immediately tried
to clarify if the girls were participating. I
was very happy when I received a posi-
tive answer. I remember my emotions.
I hope in the future you will have a
lot of happiness and pleasant emotions.
Examination at the National Defence Academy
As the saying goes each good soldier
should dream of becoming a General.
What will you say in this regard? Is
your dream to become a General?
My dream is to become a General
and I hope I will be the first woman who
will be granted this rank in Georgia. I
will achieve it by all means.
Vano Mumladze is 25 years old.
JULY 2007 ISSUE #1
He graduated from Tbilisi Industrial
Pedagogical Institute “Tsodna”.
“In the latest period I discovered a de-
sire to serve in the Georgian Armed Forc-
es. Nowadays, our army has strengthened
so much that it soldiers are participated in
the Peacekeeping Operations. It is very
hard not to be proud of this.”
How do you imagine the Georgian
Officer?
First of all he should be a profession-
al. This kind officer will be a benefit for
the country and for the family. Besides
this, the human dignity should be high-
lighted. Good officer should be the best
example for the soldiers.
There is an opinion among the
youth of your age that they can not
realize the gained education and they
can not find the relevant jobs. Do you
share this position?
I’d advise them to serve in the Geor-
gian Army. It is the best choice when
you have a possibility to serve your
homeland and besides this you are in the
best conditions and you enjoy the privi-
leges. I would like to have a career that
the successful persons deserve. This is
– an Officers’ Career.
by Shalva Londaridze