Georgia Security & Stability Operations (Georgia SSOP)
EUCOM is conducting a program to train and equip Georgian forces and command staff to prepare for peace support operations in Iraq. The new mission builds on the Georgia Train and Equip (GTEP) training conducted by Special Operations Command Europe and Marine Forces Europe between May 2002 and April 2004. The new program involves sustaining the GTEP trained troops by training and equipping their parent unit, the 11th Brigade staff and equipping two additional Georgian infantry battalions, two logistics battalions, training some separate companies from the Georgian 11th Brigade and some command and control elements that plan, coordinate and execute Georgian deployments to Iraq.
The Georgia Sustainment and Stability Operations Program (SSOP) is a security assistance program designed to create an increased capability in the Georgian military to support Operation Iraqi Freedom stability missions. SSOP will also help solidify the progress made during the very successful Georgia Train and Equip Program and continue to assist in the implementation of western standards in the Georgian armed forces. This program, lasting about 18 months, will cost approximately $60 million. Funding for the program is provided under fiscal years 2005 and 2006: Title 10 - $27.1M, Title 22 - $17.33M, and other (i.e. Excess Defense Articles, Donor Nation Program) - $16.5M.
As a result of the Georgia Train and Equip Program (GTEP) the Georgian military has significantly increased its capability to execute combined operations in a multi-nation environment, enhanced their ability to protect their sovereignty, improved their ability to defeat transnational terrorists’ cells, and stabilize the region from potential terrorist activities. A remarkable aspect to this program is the impact that can be achieved at the small unit level.
GTEP training was conducted using U.S. Special Operations Forces and U. S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe from May 2002 to May 2004. During this time approximately 2,600 Georgian soldiers, including a headquarters staff element and 5 tactical units, received training. One benefit of GTEP came on 1 March 2005, when Georgia deployed the first full infantry battalion in support of operations in Iraq. Georgian troops have also supported operations in Afghanistan and Kosovo. EUCOM expected the rotation of Georgian forces in support of this critical mission to continue under the Sustainment and Stability Operations Program.
The Georgia Sustainment and Stability Operations Program (SSOP) is designed to train two Infantry Battalions for peacekeeping missions in Iraq; two Logistics Battalions; specialized units for the Georgian 1st Brigade; and staff training for the 1st and 2nd Georgian Brigade, the Land Forces Command Staff, and the Operations Cell of the Georgian General Staff. Additionally, SSOP will provide Georgia with a cadre of trainers and staff to support additional personnel and peacekeeping units.
In January 2005, Phase I of SSOP commenced as EUCOM conducted a Pre-Deployment Site Survey and assessment of the Georgian Army, focusing on the readiness of the infrastructure and the personnel manning of the first battalion to undergo training. On 1 March, a Georgian Battalion deployed to Iraq, a prerequisite for commencement of follow-on SSOP phases. Based on the readiness of the Georgians to conduct the training and availability of funding and equipment, EUCOM set a start date of mid-April 2005 to begin the training of the first infantry battalion.
EUCOM estimated in early 2005 that the program will be completed by summer 2006. EUCOM, in coordination with the Defense Department and the Department of State, planned to continue its military transformation support to this developing democracy. This effort is an example of a program in which a small investment can yield enormous dividends in our effort to promote peace, stability and democracy. It is also an example of how small unit training programs, operating at the tactical level, can produce a strategic result.
