NATIONAL DEFENCE POLICY AND PRINCIPLES

National defence policy is an inalienable part of the country’s security policy, which supports territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia, its Euro-Atlantic integration and strengthening of regional and international stability.

 

Defence policy determines the objectives and missions of the GAF taking into account major defence priorities and development directions set out under the framework of the Strategic Defence Review process. Effective command of the GAF, its capability development and identification of priorities necessary for accomplishing these objectives are based on effective defence system management principles. The national defence policy, defence planning and execution process should be based on the following principles:

 

   Democratic Control – democratic control of the Armed Forces is a key principle of defence policy, implying that decisions on development and use of the GAF, acquisition of armament and other material means, as well as the use of its existing resources are taken under democratic and civil control.

 

   Non-confrontation – Georgian defence policy is non-confrontational in its nature and articulates a peaceful approach to conflict resolution. Georgia pursues friendly neighbourhood policy and does not regard its own Armed Forces as a foreign policy instrument. In addition, any use of the GAF must be fully in line with the principles and norms of international law.

 

   T r ansparency and Accountability – Georgian defence policy is based on the principles of transparency and accountability implying inculcation of Good Governance practice within defence system, maximum openness of defence business processes as well as effective and efficient outsourcing. It also means increasing the Ministry’s accountability to Parliament and civil society.

 

   Human Capital O r iented M anagement – Highly qualified and motivated personnel are the cornerstone for institutional development of a defence system. This is achieved by adopting a comprehensive human resource management system based on equality, transparency and fairness which promotes the development and sustainment of the institution’s stability.

 

   Ec onomy o f Defence Resources – Defence planning and management is carried out with limited resources. The elaboration of defence plans and their execution process is based on prioritisation and rational use of those resources.

 

M I LI T ARY OBJECTIVES, M ISSIONS AND CAPABILITIES

 

Military Objectives of the GAF are as follows:

 

1. Deterrence and Defence

2. Contribution to Strengthening Regional and International Security

3.       Support to Civilian Authorities during Natural and Manmade Disasters

 

In order to achieve these objectives, the GAF shall focus on accomplishing the following Military Missions:

 

· Enhancement of Defence Capabilities

· Fulfilment of International Obligations and Participation in Multinational activities

· Support to the “National Response Plan on Natural and Manmade Emergency Situations”

Successful implementation of the military missions requires the availability of resources, high combat readiness and close interagency cooperation. This document determines Military Capabilities needed to accomplish the missions of the GAF:

· Force Readiness

· NATO Interoperability and Cooperative Security; International, Regional and Bilateral Cooperation

· Interagency Coordination and Cooperation

 

DETERRENCE AND DEFENCE

Georgia has an Armed Forces for the defence of the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, as well as for the honouring its international obligations. The MoD is responsible for the development of the GAF military capabilities necessary to accomplish its assigned missions.

 

The aim of deterrence is to avoid possible military aggression through developing combat-effective Armed Forces that are adequately manned, equipped and trained. Effective deterrence measures shall make a potential adversary consider an attack unfeasible or not worth the cost or the advantage that could be gained. Credible deterrence also requires an effective reserve and mobilization system as well as Government`s ability to mobilize national resources in times of crisis and/ or war. Deterrence also implies use of diplomacy to avoid conflict and prevent possible escalation.

 

Should deterrence fail the Georgian Military Forces (including GAF), supported with relevant state and civilian institutions, shall be used to counter an adversary`s aggression. Defeating an adversary implies preventing its Armed Forces from accomplishing its strategic objectives.

 

4.1. Enhancement of Defence Capabilities

Effective deterrence and defence require a high level of Armed Forces readiness, development of a rapid crisis response capability and effective force mobilization. Based on the analysis of the 2008 Russian-Georgian war, changes have also been made in the command structure of the GAF.

 

Effective execution of defence operations requires allocating forces based on a territorial principle; improving mobility, emphasizing centralized planning and decentralized execution, enhancing commander flexibility as well as making more effective use of available resources. In order to improve defence capabilities particular emphasis shall be placed on a provision of GAF with required personnel, armament, military equipment and ammunition.

 

4.1.1. F o r c e Readiness

The existence of properly trained units is a necessary precondition for enhancing defence capabilities and attaining a high level of force readiness. It supports rapid, effective and adequate response to threats. Units with a high level of readiness must be capable of conducting full spectrum combat operations. The development of such forces depends on further professionalization of the GAF, improvement of operational planning and training processes using tailored GAF doctrine compatible with NATO and Partner Nations.

 

   Command and Control – Further development of stationary and mobile GAF command and control systems is important to maintain unity and continuity of military operations. Particular importance should be attributed to centralized planning and decentralized execution, institutionalizing standard operating procedures, modernizing communication and information systems, as well as improving GAF operational planning procedures during crisis/ war.

 

 Bu ilding I nstitutional Capacity – Considering the existing security environment of Georgia there is a constant need to enhance GAF capabilities by modernizing and professionalizing the Armed Forces, developing and sustaining effective defence planning and management systems and continuously improving force capabilities. Such actions will enhance Georgia`s defence capabilities and strengthen the country`s security.

 

Further implementation of an effective personnel management system supports continual improvement of a professional civilian and military work force and reduces risk of personnel separation. One of main priorities of the MoD is improving professional development programs as well as implementing a comprehensive set of programs that provide complete life cycle management of personnel from recruitment to separation.

 

In order to enhance the professionalism of the GAF, emphasis shall be placed on improving career management, implementing merit based promotion, expanding professional education programs, providing competitive salaries and improving the transparency of selection and assignment processes.

 

Implementing these programs demonstrates taking care of civilian and military personnel of the Ministry and contributes to improving the morale within the defence system. Emphasis will also be placed on improving social conditions and providing quality medical service for Ministry personnel, their families and veterans.

 

Improvement of GAF capabilities requires further development of the military training and education system in preparation of the Armed Forces capable of participating in full spectrum combat operations. Special attention shall be placed on the National Defence Academy officers` and non-commissioned officers` (NCOs) professional development programs and participation in military education and training programs offered by leading educational institutions of partner states. This shall ensure progressive development of the GAF chain of command and enhancement of the officer and NCO`s professional corps. This process requires the development of GAF tailored military doctrine and an effective lessons learned program. Effective collective and individual training also requires further development of modern simulation and training technologies.

 

     Combat Capabilities – Effective and credible combat capabilities are required to successfully accomplish the defence objective of the GAF. The components of the GAF, whose core is composed by light infantry, infantry and mechanized units, must be properly organized, manned, equipped, trained and motivated. They should also be supported by appropriate combat support and combat service support capabilities.

 

     Combat S upport Capabilities – The development of GAF combat potential requires improvement of combat support capabilities. In this regard attention shall be paid to development of self-propelled artillery by enhancing fire control system and obtaining of target acquisition and location finding systems. Combat support improvements are also needed to acquire modern engineer systems necessary to improve GAF mobility and counter-mobility measures as well as to develop Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear defence capabilities. Modern air defence and anti-armour systems are also needed to neutralize any adversary’s superiority. It of vital importance to develop air surveillance and air control capabilities by modernizing infrastructure and armaments. Successful implementation of military operations also requires a functional intelligence system that ensures timely collection of intelligence data, proper analysis and immediate dissemination to rapidly respond to an escalating crisis, strengthen state security and provide decision-makers with relevant information. For this reason, it is crucial to improve intelligence gathering, enhance analytical capabilities and expand interagency data exchange mechanisms.

 

     Combat S ervice Su pport Capabilities – A flexible logistic system is essential to support combat efficient Armed Forces. Force sustainment ensures GAF flexibility in the planning, coordinating and execution of military operations by providing transport, supply and medical capabilities as well as warehouse and depot sustainment support. Emphasis is also needed on developing a modern logistic information management system, modernizing military infrastructure, improving deployed sustainment for units participating in international operations as well as developing “Host-Nation Support” capabilities.

 

     Special Operations - Development and strengthening Special Operation Force capabilities is critical. Special attention shall be paid to the acquisition of modern equipment and institutionalizing rigorous training programs.

 

     Reserve and M obilization S ystem – It is important to develop a reserve and mobilization system considering existing threats, available forces and limited resources available to ensure the country`s defence. This system shall ensure defence resiliency and assist in deterring possible aggression. The establishment of an effective reserve system as an important component of national defence and demonstrates to any potential adversary that the cost of aggression against Georgia will not be worth the anticipated results. Emphasis will be placed on developing an affordable GAF reserve and mobilization system that provides properly armed and trained personnel having compatible command and control system with the active force and capable of performing missions defined through a unified operational planning process.

 

     I nformation and Cyber Security – Ensuring the functionality and security of communication and information systems is crucial to the command and control of the GAF. Modern, protected communications support secure, continuous connectivity and coordinated military action. Protection of information security requires the establishment of cyber and communication security systems capable of preventing or mitigating harmful results inflicted by the adversary and restoring operability of all elements in the shortest time possible. The Ministry shall ensure its information security through cooperation with relevant Government agencies.

 

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