Photo By Cpl. Clayton Vonderahe | SHUKVANI, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - A Georgian soldier with...... read more read more
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SHUKVANI, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - Soldiers of the Republic of Georgia’s Army 33rd Light Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry Brigade, are currently deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
The battalion arrived in Afghanistan in early May 2011, relieving the 32nd LIB upon completion of their combat tour. Both battalions fall under the command of Regimental Combat Team 8 while serving in Afghanistan.
RCT-8 provides the 33rd LIB with the logistical support required to maintain a battalion-sized element in combat while the Georgians perform the same responsibilities expected of any Marine battalion operating in Afghanistan.
“We are doing the same stuff as Marines, such as patrolling in the area of operation,” said Maj. Vasil Pareshishvili, chief of staff for the 33rd LIB. “We are going to villages and talking to the local population, letting them know that we came for peace.”
“Every day is an accomplishment in the fact that this battalion is here,” said U.S. Marine Maj. Christopher Kemp, the Georgian Liaison Team commanding officer. “They are at a disadvantage in terms of interchangeability, and to be such a small nation and to contribute so much, given where they are, that in itself, you can’t say enough good things about that.”
The battalion underwent a month of training in Hohenfels, Germany, after completing six months of pre-deployment training Kutaisi, Republic of Georgia, where they are stationed. The training was provided by Marines as part of the Georgian Deployment Program designed to ensure the combat readiness of Georgian troops operating under Marine commands.
“If we did not pass this training it would be very difficult to operate in Afghanistan,” Pareshishvili said.
RCT 8’s GLT has been embedded within the 33rd LIB to provide guidance and assistance to the soldiers.
Kemp referred to his job as a “crucial interface”, gapping language barriers between the battalion and the regimental commander, in addition to managing enabling assets attached in support of the battalion.
The combined efforts of both armed forces has led to successful performances of counterinsurgency operations throughout the battalion’s area of operation. The close-knit work environment has forged a mutual friendship and understanding, furthering capabilities and effectiveness.
“We have a very good friendship,” Pareshishvili said. “The Americans and Georgians are working together to create peace for Afghanistan.”
“They are truly very, very friendly people,” Kemp said. “They are hospitable hosts and are very accepting of everyone, whether you are Georgian or not.”
The battalion is the third of four Georgian battalions who have deployed to Afghanistan. The Georgians area of operation is an important economical route for commerce between the Sangin and Musa Qal’eh districts, approximately 300 miles southwest of the nation’s capital Kabul.
Their continued dedication to responsibilities has harbored the respect of their Marine counterparts and exemplified their dedication to foreign aid.
“The whole battalion is here holding a large chunk of battle space and fighting the fight,” Kemp said. “They are spilling blood, killing bad guys, and catching bad guys. They are making a difference on a daily basis.”
| Date Taken: | 05.29.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 06.05.2011 12:08 |
| Story ID: | 71628 |
| Location: | SHUKVANI, HELMAND PROVINCE, ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF, AF |
| Web Views: | 304 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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