TBILISI, Georgia -- The fourth phase of tactical training for Task Force Georgia Train and Equip Program ended Saturday with a downtown graduation ceremony for the 111th Light Infantry Battalion.
The 100-day training cycle, which focused mainly on company-level infantry tactics and maneuver warfare doctrine, was designed to professionalize selected units of the Georgian armed forces in order to provide security and stability to this troubled region. Over that short span of time, a battalion-size unit was transformed from inexperienced conscripts and volunteers off the street, to a cohesive fighting force executing company-size combined arms live fire exercises.
Georgia has been the scene of civil war and internal strife since its breakaway from the former Soviet Union, and was in danger of becoming a haven for international terrorism due to its strategic location and inability to secure its own borders. Task Force GTEP began as a response by President George W. Bush to a specific request for assistance by then-President Eduard Shevardnadze.
The program is a time-phased curriculum that began with staff training for the senior Georgian military leaders, and transitioned to tactical training for a brigade-sized element, which will include five battalions when the program concludes in May. U.S. Army Special Forces initially were responsible for the mission, but turned over command to the U.S. Marine Corps Dec. 15, 2002.
Since Memorial Day, 2002, the Georgian Ministry of Defense has been trained in maneuver warfare and command and staff skills, a commando battalion and mountain battalion have been trained, as well as two light infantry battalions. The final training cycle will begin in early January and will consist of a mechanized infantry company utilizing T-72 tanks and BMP-1 armored personnel carriers.
"We were here to train these soldiers and prepare them for their role in the Global War on Terrorism and we accomplished that mission," said Maj. Charles A. Western, task force commander. "I'm very proud of the hard work and dedication that my small team of Marines and U.S. Soldiers put forth, their efforts have had a huge impact on this country."
The graduation ceremony was held in Republic Square in downtown Tbilisi, the same location where over 50,000 protesters gathered last month before their historic peaceful march on Parliament dubbed "The Rose Revolution."
All four GTEP-trained battalions were in attendance creating an impressive display of military might. Interim President Nino Burjanadze, who took power after the Rose Revolution, spoke to the massive crowd of spectators and personally thanked the Marines, Soldiers and Sailors of the Task Force. Afterward, the president personally met with the Marine trainers and shook their hands.
The ceremony was concluded with a fly-over by two Mi-8 Hip helicopters, two UH-1 Hueys, and two Su-25 Frogfoot jets. "The ceremony was spectacular," said Capt. Justin Ansel, team leader. "Seeing all of that come together today really hit home and made me aware of the gravity of what we've accomplished here and how much this program and U.S. cooperation means to these people."