TBILISI. July 22 (Interfax-AVN) - Over 700 applicants for the Kommando battalion of the Georgian Defense Ministry started training on Monday on the program of a month-long training session, an official of the Georgian General Staff told Interfax-Military News Agency.
"The session in the Yagludzha training center marks the beginning of a second stage in the implementation of the U.S. program of training and equipping the Georgian anti-terrorist forces," the official said.
He stressed that 400 reservists would be enrolled in the first anti-terrorist battalion after the session. "Starting from late August the reservists will practice for three months under the supervision of the U.S. military instructors staying in Georgia," he said.
Georgian anti-terrorist forces are being trained in the framework of the U.S. training and equipping program for the Georgian army. The United States has allocated USD64m for the program. About 2,000 professional servicemen will be enrolled in four units that will undergo special training under the supervision of the U.S. military experts.
The Georgian anti-terrorist forces consist of the Kodzhori quick response battalion, Kommmando special service battalion, Sachkheri mountain rifle battalion and a battalion of the 11th motorized rifle brigade based in Vaziani.
According to Colonel Dmitry Lezhava, chief of the Georgian Defense Ministry main HR department, the servicemen trained in the framework of the program will be paid a monthly allowance of GEL500- 700 (USD250-350).