Georgian soldiers awarded ‘Combat Patches’ for service in Afghanistan

The United States (US) has honoured Georgian soldiers for their ongoing peacekeeping efforts in Afghanistan.

Georgian military servicemen, as well as soldiers from the US and NATO allied countries, were awarded special embroidered shoulder patches by the US military, for their efforts and dedication to the post-International Security Assistance Force peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan.

Yesterday Georgian soldiers participating in the NATO-led Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan received the Shoulder Sleeve Insignia-Former Wartime Service ‘Combat Patch’ with the Task Force Solid Soldiers, who are serving alongside the US Forces-Afghanistan troops.

The ‘Combat Patch’ displayed an eagles head – the symbol of the United States.

The Georgian troops are based at the Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. There, they carry out a range of tasks alongside US Marines, with their main task being to provide security to the Bagram Air Base.

At the NATO Summit in Wales on September 4, 2014, leaders of the ISAF troop-contributing nations, including Georgia, underlined their commitment to continue supporting Afghanistan after 2014.

Late last year NATO allies and partners launched the NATO-led non-combat mission called Resolute Support to train, advise and assist the Afghan security forces and institutions.

Georgian soldiers have served under the Georgian flag for the past four years on a rotation basis in the ISAF mission. A total of 750 Georgia soldiers will serve in the Resolute Support mission, meaning Georgia will remain the largest non-NATO contributor to Afghanistan.