Georgian MoD Troop Levels to Rise

The Defense Ministry is planning an increase in troop levels from the current 28,000 to 32,000. Parliament is due shortly to discuss a relevant draft law.

Col. Zaza Gogava, Chief of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces, said on September 11 that a fifth brigade would be set up once the army had become an all-volunteer force.

Giga Bokeria, an influential lawmaker from the ruling party, has welcomed the proposal as ?absolutely logical.?

?This is an urgent requirement for our country in order to achieve our goals and to avoid threats, which we unfortunately face,? Bokeria told reporters on September 11.

In 2005 MoD troop strength was legally set at a maximum of 23,000. It was revised to 26,000 in 2006 and last year Parliament allowed for 28,000 soldiers.

This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)