Georgian Defence Chief Visits U.S. Military Base In Germany

Ministry of Defence of Georgia
August 15, 2013

Irakli Alasania Visited the US Army Military Base in Hohenfels, Germany

Minister of Defence of Georgia Irakli Alasania visited the US Army military base in Hohenfels, Germany to attend the ongoing training process of Georgian military servicemen. Military servicemen of the 31st Light Infantry Battalion of III Infantry Brigade and Batumi Separate Infantry Battalion are preparing for an upcoming deployment to Afghanistan at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) in Hohenfels. The Georgian servicemen are being trained for counter-insurgency operations (COIN), as well as in preparing, clearing up, protecting and maintaining the security of a battlefield.

The training site at the US military base is maximally close to the environment in Afghanistan. There is a simulated Afghan city on the base. The Georgian soldiers are being practiced in skills of communication with the Afghan population and are adapting to a new environment.

Once the Mission Rehearsal Exercise (MRE) is completed, the Georgian military will be ready to be deployed to Afghanistan and perform a mission under the US contingent in Helmand province. Their main task will be to conduct patrolling of the populated areas to provide security and to set up the mobile control posts there.

“It was very important for me to see how our military servicemen are being trained for their mission to Afghanistan. The trainings they undergo are close to reality, so is the environment and the threats they will face in Afghanistan. The goal of this exercise to prepare them for the mission. The U.S. and Georgian military servicemen give high evaluation to the level of preparedness of our soldiers. We’ll have the final results by the end of this month but I am sure our military servicemen are fully capable to prepare properly for the upcoming deployment. They enjoy full support of the Georgian Government and Defence Ministry,” declared Defence Minister after the meeting with the Georgian and American military servicemen.

“I just want to acknowledge the great operation and teamwork that exists in the Republic of Georgia, Georgian Armed Forces and the United States Marine Corps The visit of the Minister of Defence here today reinforces the relationship that we enjoy with the Georgians and the contribution Georgians are making in support of ISAF and Marines are proud to serve with the Georgians in Helmand province,” stated General Richard Tryon.

In the framework of the visit to Germany, Minister of Defence of Georgia will meet with the Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe, Lt. Gen. Donald M. Campbell.

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Ministry of Defence of Georgia
August 15, 2013

Defence Minister Met with the U.S. Generals in Germany

Within the framework of the visit to Germany, Minister of Defence of Georgia Irakli Alasania held a meeting with the Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe, Lt. Gen. Donald M. Campbell and Deputy Commandant of the United States Marines Corps, Lt. Gen. Richard T. Tryon.

At the meeting the sides highlight the importance of Georgia’s participation in ISAF mission and discussed the issues of future cooperation. The U.S. Generals thanked the Georgian side for its contribution to ISAF mission and underscored the high level of preparedness of the Georgian military servicemen. The ongoing mission in Afghanistan and future plans of the coalition were also discussed during the meeting. Minister of Defence of Georgia once again expressed readiness to get involved in post-ISAF mission.

In the framework of the visit, Minister of Defence of Georgia was also hosted at USAREUR Gen. John Shalikashvili Mission Command Center.