Two Georgian battalions train to head to Afghanistan
By Nazrin Gadimova
Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Alasania, who is on an official visit to Germany, visited the U.S. Hohenfels military base, where the Georgian soldiers are participating in military exercises, the Georgian Defense Ministry reported on August 14.
Military exercises of the Georgian soldiers of the Third Infantry Brigade's 31st Battalion and the separate infantry battalion of Batumi, who are preparing for the ISAF peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan, are held in the Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) in the German town of Hohenfels. Alasania closely viewed the process of training of the Georgian military by the American instructors.
The Georgian soldiers are trained to conduct counter-insurgency operations (COIN), preparation, preservation and security of the battlefield. Training environment is close to the existing environment in Afghanistan - a simulated Afghan city has been created.
After successful completion of exercises Georgian military will be dispatched to Afghanistan to serve a mission in Helmand province.
"It was very important for me to see personally how our guys are preparing for Afghanistan," Alasania said. "Exercises are almost close to reality - the threats and environment are the same which awaits them in Afghanistan. The results will be announced at the end of the month. We, the Defense Ministry, and the government in whole support them."
In turn, U.S. General Richard T. Tryon noted the courage of Georgian troops during the military actions.
"I want to emphasize the successful cooperation between the representatives of the Georgian Armed Forces and the U.S. Marine Corps," Tryon said. "The visit of the Georgian Defense Minister will contribute to further deepening of our relationship, as well as the Georgian military operations under ISAF. Representatives of the Marine Corps are proud of their service together with the Georgians in the province of Helmand."
The Georgian delegation was on an official visit to Germany on August 13. During the visit Alasania is scheduled to meet with the Commander of U.S. militaries in Europe, Lieutenant General Donald M. Campbell.
Alasania will also visit the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) and the Heidelberg University Hospital, where the Georgian soldiers wounded in Afghanistan take a course of rehabilitation.
Georgia as a significant contributor to the Euro-Atlantic security is closely involved in NATO-led operations and its contribution to the ISAF operation in Afghanistan is of significant importance. Presently Georgia is the second largest troop contributor to Afghanistan among the non-NATO states.