MINISTRY OF DEFENCE OF GEORGIA
New concept forms effective
Georgian Reserve System
The challenges of the last
August war made officials re-
view the Georgian Reserve Sys-
tem. The most notable problems
during the conflict were insuffi-
cient combat preparation and a
lack of reservists with military
experience. A whopping 28,000
reservists were trained in 2007-
2008 – too many in too little time
— resulting in problematic man-
agement issues.
The National Guard Depart-
ment elaborated a new Draft
Concept of the Reserve System
to deal with these issues. The
new reserve system will aim at
preparing qualitatively reserv-
ists, as opposed to providing sub-
standard training to a larger num-
ber of cadets. The system will
lead to effective, well-equipped,
and experienced reservists. Be-
fore drafting the concept, Na-
tional Guard Department staff
studied the experiences of NATO
reserve systems.
Based on the new concept,
the Reserve Program will last
INFORMATIONAL - ANALYTICAL
four years, and reservists will
undergo combat training for no
more than 200 days. Training
will be held at different times
first year — in summer, second
year in winter.
The new concept will estab-
lish the Compulsory Reserve and
Volunteers Reserve.
The Compulsory Reserve in-
cludes people under 45 who are
fit for military service of any
rank. The reserve includes
former military personnel who
served during the last 5 years in
the armed forces and were trans-
ferred to the reserves. Women
will also serve.
Individuals who took the
Training and Equipped Program
will also participate in the Re-
serves. Individuals who have not
passed compulsory military ser-
vice will receive a military ID
card and be assigned to the Re-
serves.
“By unifying these three
components, we will have qual-
ified reservists with experience
JULY 2009 ISSUE #25
New armored center
in Iraq, Afghanistan and Koso-
vo,” National Guard Department
head Zurab Arsoshvili said. “The
opens in Akhaltsikhe
armed forces will spend their The Defense Ministry’s the Krtsanisi National Training erate at the center where tanks
energy and time staffing the new Training and Military Education Center. He has been the com- personnel will be trained. Per-
system. Reservists who undergo Command’s Armored Center mander of the Armored Center sonnel will also be trained for
our program will be called ‘First- opened in June 2009. Armored since June 2009. mechanized subunits. A simula-
Class Reservists.’ During call- Training Courses functioned Leladze explained the cen- tion section will also function to
up, these reservists will receive previously at the Krtsanisi Na- ter’s mission and the reasons for prepare personnel for light-ar-
fixed wages and full social and tional Training Center. forming the subunit. mored towing vehicles.
public health care.” Colonel Zaza Leladze was The center’s main functions During the courses, corpo-
First-Class Reservists partake promoted to as commander of are to create and train combat rals, tank gun-layers, drivers
in individual training during the the center. He is an experienced armored battalions, which and tank mechanics will be
45-day course. Afterwards, they officer in the armed forces, hav- means training personnel for trained. After the course, they
train in squadrons, platoons, ing served since their establish- tanks and mechanized subunits. will receive the ranks of ser-
companies and battalions. They ment. He graduated from the “We will create very high geant at the Sergeant Training
take retraining courses during Kharkov Tank Commanding level courses, and instructors School.
the next three years. College in 1993 and Kiev De- will upgrade their professional Leladze said the center has
“For effective Command and fense Academy with a major in skills,” he said. “Afterwards sound infrastructure.
Control, we must be oriented Armored and Mechanized they will be able to train com- Akhaltsikhe will be the main
around quality, not quantity. At Units. Leladze then served as pany level subunits.” base and training will be held
this stage, First-Class Reservists mechanized commander and The educational program at the Orpholo Training Area.
will be limited to 2,000,” Arsos- 21st Brigade commander of the meets NATO standards, but it Trainings at the Armored
hvili said. armored battalion. He was sub- was adapted to the Georgian Center began on July 1. The
The new Reserve System will sequently promoted as deputy landscape and for missions and First Infantry Brigade’s Mech-
also have voluntary system, commander of the Armored tasks within Georgian armored anized Company finished train-
where any citizen over 27 can Courses in Akhaltsikhe. Leladze units. ing on July 30.
join it. The reserve program will also served as chief of staff at An armored group will op- Eka Gakhokidze
prepare the volunteers to differ-
ent directions.
The new system also allow
the National Guard to play an
assistance role in rescue activi-
ties during natural disasters, such
as intensive floods, fires or earth-
quakes.
Under the new concept it is
also very important to establish
effective Civil Defence system
in universities and secondary
schools. National Guard will
learn and train the students in
cooperation with Ministry of
Education. This is the way for
National Guard to participate in
forming of National Security
System.
The new Reserve Program
also includes items for those re-
servists who had already under-
gone 18-days training. Those re-
servists will be assumed as com-
pulsory military service. They
will be used during manmade
and natural disasters. First of all,
National Guard Department has
to register them by regions, cit-
ies, villages and use them by re- INSIDE
gional and territorial principle.
Tea Kerzdevadze
Multinational NATO experts visit
peace operations National Defense
contributes to the Academy
country’s security
Military attaches visit
Officers increase Defense Ministry
qualifications Second Infantry
Training courses Brigade wins
at NCO School Football Cup
2 MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT OF GEORGIA TODAY
Multinational peace operations
contributes to the country’s security
“Defence Today” held interview with Deputy Defence Minister Mr. Giorgi
Muchaidze. Mr. Muchaidze discussed many key issues related to the country’s
security and its allies. Deputy minister toughed cases like historical U.S.-Georgia
Charter on Strategic partnership; defence ministers recent visit to the United
States and Georgia’s future engagement in multinational peace operations in Af-
ghanistan.
Defence Today: The US-Georgia
Charter of Strategic Partnership con-
siders enhancing of the cooperation
and partnership between Georgia and
US. Recently, on 5th of June 2009,
meeting of the Defence Secretary of
the US and the Minister of Defence of
Georgia was held in Washington. The
issues discussed were related to the
future development of the Defence
cooperation between the USA and
Georgia. What specific activities are
envisioned to take place in the near-
est future for the purpose of develop-
ment of defence cooperation?
G. Muchaidze: Conclusion of the
U.S.-Georgia Charter on Strategic Part-
nership in January, 2009, is indeed a his-
torical event in Georgia-US partnership.
The Charter is based on mutual inter-
ests and shared values between USA
and Georgia and creates the strategic
framework for cooperation in Defence,
Security, Economic and Cultural fields.
An important step forward on the way
of the Charter implementation was the
establishment of the Bilateral Commis-
sion for Implementation of Charter and
the working groups under it. Defence is-
sues are dealt within the Working Group
on Security. As you know, the first meet-
ing of Commission, as well as of the
Working Group on Security took place
in Washington on June 22. The whole
spectrum of the Georgian-US defence
cooperation was discussed on this work-
ing group meeting. The sides exchanged
opinions regarding the ways and direc-
tions of boosting the defence cooperation
in the most actual priority areas and re-
viewed the ongoing programs. The next
meeting of the Commission and the
Working Group on Security will take
place already this autumn in Georgia,
where the future defence cooperation di-
rections will be shaped.
As for the Georgian Defense Minis-
ter’s visit to the United States, I would
like to say that it was full of content and
important meetings. Apart from meet-
ing with Defense Secretary Gates, Min-
ister met the high level officials in the
State Department, National Security
Council, US Congress, as well as the
experts in the think tank community.
Minister’s meeting with the Secre-
tary of Defence was of a particular im-
portance. The discussions were focused
on the security situation on the ground,
Georgia’s ongoing defence reform and
NATO integration processes, as well as
further support of the US side for accel-
erating these processes. Ministers have
also discussed the modalities of train-
ing and deployment of the Georgian
battalion within the ISAF operation in
Afghanistan already next year.
It should also underlined that the an-
nual meeting on the bilateral defence
cooperation will take place in Georgia
later in the autumn, where the future
defence cooperation activities will be
discussed in greater detail and agreed.
Defence Today: In the near future
Georgia is going to send peacekeep-
ing contingent of quite significant size
to participate in the NATO-led oper-
ation in Afghanistan. How important
is the participation in international
peacekeeping missions?
G. Muchaidze: Let me first under-
line that since 1999 Georgia has been a
faithful contributor to NATO and coali-
tion led peacekeeping operations and
never attached caveats to its deploy-
ments. There is no doubt that our active
engagement in multinational peace sup-
port operations contributes to the glo-
bal security and promotes the country’s
image as a responsible partner in coun-
tering the global threats and challenges.
Through participation in internation-
al peacekeeping operations Georgian
armed forces also benefit from the ex-
perience acquired on the ground during
discharging their missions together with
the partner countries. Furthermore, the
Georgian troops undergo significant pre-
deployment trainings, often supported
by the allies, and enhance considerably
professional military skills and their
NATO-interoperability. This surely con-
tributes a great deal to building the mod-
ern, sustainable, NATO-compatible and
deployable defence capabilities, as well
as helps to generate increased allied sup-
port to the process of Georgia’s integra-
tion into the Alliance and facilitates the
deeper engagement with international
community that contributes to the coun-
try’s security.
Despite current security environment
in Georgia, we stay committed to con-
tribute to the peacekeeping efforts in
Afghanistan, which is a number one pri-
ority operation for NATO, an operation
that urgently requires additional boots
on the ground. Along with the battalion
that we plan to deploy together with
Americans next year, we are planning
this fall to send a company size unit with
French contingent to Kabul. Consulta-
tions on the modalities of our deploy-
ments are underway. Furthermore, as
NATO seeks alternative supply routes
to Afghanistan, being fully aware of our
strategic responsibility, we stand ready
to provide the full access to our infra-
structure and the facilities needed for
this purpose.
Defence Today: Last month the
MOD Georgia has concluded Memo-
randum of Understanding with the
Ministry of Defence of Denmark.
Signing of bilateral cooperation plan
is underway. Georgia already has con-
cluded these types of agreements with
many countries in defence field. How
would this form of cooperation sup-
port the realization of Defence prior-
ities of Georgia?
G. Muchaidze: One of the defence
priorities according to the Minister’s
Vision Document of 2009 is the enhanc-
ing of cooperation with partner coun-
Deputy Defense Minister meets with the US Delegation at MOD
tries. The adequate planning and imple-
mentation of various components of the
ongoing reform and transformation pro-
cesses require vigorous bilateral defence
interaction and experience sharing with
countries that have well established,
NATO interoperable and efficient armed
forces; Denmark is certainly one of those
countries, the country with which we
also have both, the common values and
interests.
This June I had a very successful,
pleasant and result oriented visit in the
Kingdom of Denmark, where we have
signed with my esteemed Danish Col-
league, the Memorandum of Under-
standing on Bilateral Military Coopera-
tion between our Ministries and dis-
cussed the future directions of our de-
fence cooperation, including military
education, training, personnel manage-
ment and etc. Currently, we are work-
ing on the bilateral defence cooperation
plan, which we expect to sign later this
year.
We continue working on the bilater-
al defence cooperation plans with our
other old and new partners and many of
those plans are to be finalized and signed
before the end of this year; and the num-
ber of the countries with which we have
those plans has been growing this year.
Defence Today: During the NATO-
Russia Council assembly, significant
attention has been attached to the
Georgian issue. How would you assess
the importance of the meeting?
G. Muchaidze: It is very important
that the issue of ongoing Russian occu-
pation of Georgian territories continues
to be high on NATO-Russia bilateral
agenda. According to our information
during the NATO-Russia Council meet-
ing held in June in Greece, this issue was
one of the main subjects discussed. Many
allies and the Secretary General reiterat-
ed the strong support of the Alliance to
the sovereignty and territorial integrity of
Georgia. Moreover, Russia was urged by
the Allies to annul the decision on recog-
nition of the independence of Abkhazian
and South Ossetian regions and to fulfill
the provisions of the Six-Point Ceasefire
Agreement brokered by the French Pres-
ident Nicolas Sarkozy in the name of the
EU Presidency.
The intensification of cooperation
under newly established NATO-Geor-
gia Commission is another very im-
portant proof of NATO’s increased en-
gagement, which underlines that de-
cision on Georgia’s future NATO
membership made at Bucharest sum-
JULY 2009 ISSUE #25
mit remains as valid as ever.
Meanwhile, we continue to consis-
tently implement the activities planned
for this year. For example, during the
recent days we have been hosting two
NATO expert teams, one working for
realization of the military education and
training program, and another in the
frames of the personnel development
support program. The agreed plans of
our cooperation with Alliance are am-
bitious and we will continue working
laboriously with Allies and NATO staffs
to make these programs and other com-
mon endeavors a success.
Defence Today: The Russian Fed-
eration conducted large-scale military
exercises in Northern Caucasus. What
was the significance of the threat that
the mentioned military exercises
bears to the stability of the region?
G. Muchaidze: The Russian Federa-
tion continues to grossly violate the Six
Point Ceasefire Agreement and the ba-
sic principles of the international law.
The ongoing aggressive actions carried
out by the Russian side from the occu-
pied territories, as well as the military
exercise “Kavkaz-2009” represents the
attempt to destabilize Georgia and cre-
ate the security vacuum that will pre-
vent the international usage of the Geor-
gian territory as alternative transporta-
tion and energy supply route from Asia
to Europe and the other way around, and
thus establish Russian monopoly in this
respect.
In response to these provocative ac-
tions Georgian side is intensively coop-
erating and sharing information with the
international community and the EU
monitors to ensure their constant en-
gagement and international pressure on
the Russian side to prevent further ag-
gressive actions.
We have excellent cooperation and
24 hour hotline with EUMM and main-
tain full transparency of our actions. We
also continue to fully comply with the
self-imposed restrictions stipulated by
the Memorandum of Understanding
signed with the European Union Moni-
toring Mission on movement of Geor-
gian armed forces and military arma-
ment in defined areas adjacent to the
Georgian territories occupied by Russia.
At the same time, we continue to re-
lentlessly implement the planned de-
fence reform actions and develop our
defence capabilities according to the
priorities outlined in the Minister’s Vi-
sion 2009 Document.
Irakli Gurgenidze
JULY 2009 ISSUE #25 MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT OF GEORGIA TODAY
3

Officers increase qualifications NATO experts visit

National Defense Academy
A NATO expert delegation led by
Jean d’Andurain made a three-day vis-
it to the National Defense Academy.
Head of the academy Colonel Roin
Pailodze received the guests.
The purpose of the visit was to con-
sult the academy’s leadership on Joint
Combined and General Staff Courses.
Georgian armed forces senior of-
ficers will hold staff training during
the courses.
Prospects to develop command,
control and communication capabili-
ties for the national defense system
were also discussed during the visit.
Senior officials from the Defense
Academy, J-7 Military Education and
Combat Trainings and J-1 Personnel
Departments of the Georgian Joint
Staff also attended the meeting.

In recent years, requests to bring the
Georgian Armed Forces in line with
NATO standards have led to numerous
innovations. One of these advances was
the creation of Maneuver Captains Ca-
reer Courses (MCCC) at the National
Defense Academy.
The MCCC launched in 2004 and
initially convened at the institution’s
base. At first the MCCC was called the
“Infantry Captain Career Course.” The
name was later changed as the course
prepared captain-level officers for mul-
tiple types of soldiery — infantry, ar-
mored and mechanical functions – and
also taught tank operation.
The MCCC has improved in recent
years.
Since the first round of graduates left
the academy, all imperfections with the
MCCC have been eliminated and the
programs have been further improved.
MCCC head, Major Kakha Cha-
podze said the course is vital for acade-
my students.
“They provide a huge leap in an of-
ficer’s career,” he said. “The officer re-
ceives tactical experience, masters free
decision-making and critical thinking at
the officer level at the battalion head-
quarters. The cornerstone for us is to
teach the officers principles, planning
and decision-making. The rest depends
on the self-development of each officer.
After serving in any unit, it is important
to get additional knowledge at the
MCCC.”
The majority of MCCC instructors
took the same course with U.S. profes-
sionals. Today the base is staffed by of-
ficers who mastered the identical course
in the U.S.
Captain Giorgi Dumbadze joined the
MCCC as an instructor. He completed a
similar course in the U.S. and took air-
landing and U.S. Army Ranger courses.
“I can say this course is successful
because each officer is satisfied with the
knowledge he receives,” he said.
“Studying is not standard – instructors
give lectures. The students listen. We
exchange information.”
Nine years worth of graduates have
finished the MCCC. The course is now
in its tenth year and has 44 registered
students. The course began June 21 and
will continue until Nov. 1.
The curriculum is carried out in ac-
cordance with the U.S. model. Howev-
er, the instructors at the National De-
fense Academy added Georgian ele-
ments to the program.
The instructors conduct 21-week pro-
grams over 5 months. Unlike U.S. and
European courses of the same nature,
Georgian instructors teach practical
Military attaches visit
training which means students focus on
squad operations. As a result, captains
learn to plan operations in real-time.
Defense Ministry
They witness how their planned opera-
tions are implemented.
The students undergo a theoretical
course along with practical training.
MCCC graduate, Senior Lieutenant
Mikheil Margalitadze said the course is
important.
“We master operation planning ac-
cording to modern Western standards,”
he said. “I am the head of the company.
After returning to my battalion I will
carry out changes to my unit manage-
ment procedures. The curriculum is
well-planned. I think it would be better
if the term of learning grew. This will
give us the possibility to master the pro-
gram thoroughly.”
Eka Gakhokidze

Training courses at NCO School

A basic training course began for
squadron commanders at the NCO
School on July 15.
The 146 sergeant-corporals will
train for 16 weeks. The training aims
to prepare highly qualified squadron
commanders in various specialties. The
course covers squadron commanders in
charge of light infantry, communica-
tions, engineering and gun and grenade
launchers.
The students take theoretical and
practical training in marching, firing
and commanding.
Sergeant instructors and training
group heads conduct courses for NCO
School students.
Defense Today talked with NCO
School head Captain Zurab Chilinga-
rashvili about the courses.
“We conduct training in specialties,
which includes preparing squadron
commanders for the armed forces,”
Chilingarashvili said. “This is why I
consider the course to be significant.
Such training will also take place in the
future. We want the armed forces to
have many high qualified squadron
commanders.”
After successfully completing the
training, the sergeant-corporals will be
granted military ranks and certificates
according to their specialties. The un-
dergraduates will then assume the du-
ties of squadron commanders.
Nino Mikeladze
National Guard Department Chief Zurab Arsoshvili meets Foreign military attache
Foreign military attaches accre- by National Guard Department Chief
dited in Georgia visited the Defense Zurab Arsoshvili. Various ministry de-
Ministry on July 27. The visit aimed to partment heads were present at the meet-
familiarize the guests with the Draft ing.
Concept of the Reserve System, elabo- The Georgian officials delivered a
rated by the National Guard Department. presentation on the draft concept, and
The foreign diplomats were hosted later began discussions on related issues.

Rectors visit at National

Defense Academy
High-profile tutors from Georgian
educational institutions read introducto-
ry lectures to cadets this month. Tbilisi
Ivane Javakhishvili State University
Rector, Professor Gia Khubua and Geor-
gian Technical University Rector, Pro-
fessor Archil Prangishvili visited the
National Defense Academy to teach the
cadets.
Defense Academy Rector Gia
Khubua met with the cadets and re-
viewed the institution’s technical base.
He later delivered a lecture for Captain
Career Course students. Khubua focused
on geopolitics, educational reform and
providing support for the armed forces.
“Georgia faces a difficult geopoliti-
cal situation, although there is no ground
for pessimism,” he said. “All of us, es-
pecially you, soldiers, should make our
contribution to building the state. The
Georgian society stands ready to sup-
port to the army and Tbilisi State Uni-
versity will be of particular importance.”
Prangishvili discussed reforms to the
educational system with students, and
stressed the need to hold combined ed-
ucational programs with the academy.
The meeting was interactive, with the
rectors engaging students in discussion.
4 MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT OF GEORGIA TODAY
Second Infantry Brigade wins Football Cup
Athletic activities are back in the
Georgian Armed Forces. The Athletic and
Recreation Service of the Joint Staff has
organized various sport competitions for
the past year. The Sport and Youth De-
partment has promoted competitions in
futsal, boxing, judo, arm wrestling, hand-
to-hand fighting, swimming and shoot-
ing. Now it is time for the world’s most
popular sport — football.
The Georgian Armed Forces Football
Cup was held at the National Defense
Academy Stadium from July 13-17.
Based on an agreement with the De-
fense Ministry and Sports and Youth
Department, the event was organized by
the Sports, Business and Management
Group.
Sixteen teams participated in four
subgroups. After three rounds, the First,
Second and Third Infantry Brigades and
Special Operations Unit continued to the
semifinals.
The Second Infantry Brigade and
Special Operational teams met in the
pre-finals. The match began with a
minute of silence in honor of the sol-
diers who died during the August war.
The game was not packed with goals,
Medical Laboratory Opens
The Medical Laboratory for Detect-
ing HIV Infection and Sexually Trans-
mitted Diseases opened at the Krtsanisi
National Training Center on July 13.
The laboratory was established upon
the joint initiative of the U.S. Depart-
ment of Defense and Georgian NGO
Medical Group of Georgia.
Georgian servicemen participating in
international peacekeeping operations
Students visit Krtsanisi
National Training Center
“Aliante 2009” international compe-
tition winners and NATO Information
Center innovators visited the Krtsanisi
National Training Center on July 17 to
learn the rules soldiers must abide by at
military bases. The event was initiated
by the Defense Ministry and NATO In-
formation Center.
will undergo testing at the laboratory
before and after their operations.
“Such practices were introduced in
NATO member countries long ago,”
U.S. Office for Defense Cooperation
Chief, Lieutenant Colonel Paul Riley
said.
“Establishing a medical laboratory in
the Georgian armed forces is a positive
step.”
The students inspected the Krtsanisi
National Training Center and expressed
their interest in learning more about on-
going training. The young students lat-
er held a short shooting competition.
Upon the initiative of the ministry, two
contest winners will be given practical
shooting courses.
Georgia-U.S. naval manoeuvres
launched in Batumi
The USS Stout made port calls in
Batumi and Poti on July 14 and July 17
as part of regular U.S. Navy visits to the
Black Sea. The USS Stout and her crew
participated in combined training exer-
cises with the Georgian Coast Guard.
While in Batumi, sailors lent a hand in
painting an orphanage and mingled with
the children. Georgian officers were also
trained in fire fighting operations and
crisis measures against floods.
This is the third boat sent from the
U.S. to Georgia to participate in the joint
exercises.
“The U.S. Navy’s regular visits to the
Black Sea demonstrate the country’s
commitment to Black Sea regional sta-
bility and maritime security,” a spokes-
person at the U.S. Embassy in Georgia
said. “This visit is part of the U.S. Eu-
ropean Command and Commander,
Naval Forces Europe and Sixth Fleet
Theater Security Cooperation Strategy
to enhance regional stability by strength-
ening maritime partnerships.”
USS Stout Commander Mark Ober-
ley paid a courtesy call to local officials.
Among the guests invited on board for
a reception were President Mikheil
Saakashvili and U.S. Ambassador to
Georgia John Tefft.
The USS Stout is the sixth ARLEIGH
BURKE class guided missile destroyer
and first Navy ship named in honor of
Rear Admiral Herald F. Stout (1903-
1987) decorated with two Navy crosses
for heroism during World War II. Then
JULY 2009 ISSUE #25
but rather with action. The Second In-
fantry Brigade won and ultimately fin-
ished the tournament in first place. The
Third Infantry Brigade finished in third.
Winners were rewarded with med-
als. Each team received certificates from
Chief of Joint Staff Major General Devi
Chankotadze and Sports and Youth De-
partment head David Namgalauri. A spe-
cial jury named the best goalkeeper, de-
fender and midfielder. The best foot-
baller and striker was Second Infantry
Brigade player Corporal Khvicha Kali-
chava.
The Athletic and Recreation Service
also plans to organize a rugby tourna-
ment in August. The competition will
be held on the Black Sea. The winner
will receive the first Rugby Cup and an
invitation to participate in another tour-
nament organized by the Beach Rugby
society.
The Athletic and Recreation Service
has more ambitious plans for the future.
This year, several events will be planned
for 2010 and athletic arrangements will
soon double – such as shooting, wres-
tling, kickboxing, boxing and basketball.
Ilia Koberidze
a commander, Stout aided his task force
in sinking 5 heavily armed enemy war-
ships to establish a beachhead on Bou-
gainvillea Island. Built by Ingalls Ship-
building, she was commissioned on
Aug. 13, 1994. Her home port is Nor-
folk, Virginia.
The USS Stout left Batumi on July 17
and made a port call in Poti until July 19.