Professional army service opens for young Georgian recruits

Young enthusiasts can now join the Georgian Armed Forces (GAF) on a professional contract-based service after admissions for the program were restarted today by the Ministry of Defence of Georgia following a three-year break.

Recruits aged between 18-35 will be admitted for four-year service in GAF units, and will follow around 600 applicants who have already been accepted this year.

The contractual service recruitment was announced by the state office today, with Minister Tinatin Khidasheli saying the number of interested individuals would help the Ministry in their work to reform Georgia's military service system over the next two years.

The program will recruit enthusiasts for four-year service in the armed forces, which celebrated its 25th anniversary on May 27. Photo from the Ministry of Defence of Georgia/Facebook.

We have already admitted two groups of recruits this year … Around 600 young individuals received their military uniforms, signed contracts with their country and pledged to serve their homeland - some of them on May 26 [Independence Day]," said Khidasheli in her announcement of the new recruitment program.

The contractual service will be offered to individuals who successfully undergo a 10-week Basic Combat Training (BCT) course that starts on September 19. To enter the course, recruits will face physical and psychological tests along with a medical check-up.

The BCT will train young recruits in tactics, engineering, medical aid, communication, topography and other directions while preparing them for four-year army service.

Visitors participate in events and activities at the 2016 Georgian Army Day in Tbilisi's Old Hippodrome on May 27.Photo from the Ministry of Defence of Georgia/Facebook.

Successful graduates of the BCT will be assigned to GAF units and provided with various services and benefits including free medical service and social security for their families.

The Defence Ministry also said recruits would be granted opportunities for career development under local and international military instructors, and have a chance to be selected for "service in international operations".

Last year, Khidasheli announced major reforms for the GAF that included plans to either scrap or modify the decades-long unpopular compulsory conscription system while focusing on professional contract-based service.

Georgia's armed forces marked its 25th anniversary during the 2016 Georgian Army Day celebrations on May 27, and invited the public to enjoy events and activities including an exhibition of military vehicles and equipment in Tbilisi and in regional cities.