4 minute read
The Other Russian Border
Capt Mike Harrison recently deployed to Georgia, South Caucasus. We sat down to discuss what life is like, a stone’s throw away from the Russian border…
What is your role in Georgia?
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Iam deployed as a NATO Advisor to the Georgian Armed Forces working within the Joint Training and Evaluation Centre (JTEC) HQ, located just outside the capital of Tbilisi. JTEC focuses on: Readiness, Staff and Basic Training, as well as hosting larger multinational exercises. Recently established in 2016, the JTEC is a relatively junior organisation with the long-term goal of hosting quality local training and NATO courses.
My daily routine is varied. One day I could be visiting a readiness exercise to evaluate training; then I could be working on long term projects or staff development of the HQ. The team I am a part of is diverse, made up of other NATO and partner nations including: Norway, Denmark, Lithuania, the USA and Sweden.
The Joint Training and Evaluation Centre is part of the Substantial NATO-Georgia Package How is it working in Georgia?
Georgia is a fantastic country with lots of rich history and culture. I had never previously visited the region, but my deployment has given me a better understanding of the country and an insight into the complexities of the postSoviet space. The terrain is very mountainous and the weather can be bitterly cold, so not one I am used to, primarily exercising in the UK/BATUS. It was interesting to see how the Georgian Defence Forces adapt to the harsh conditions.
The 2008 Russia/Georgia war is still a recent memory, with two regions of Georgia (Abkhazia and South Ossetia) under Russian occupation. Meeting Soldiers who fought in this war, and hearing stories of the battles, brings to life what a conflict with Russia could be like.
During my time here, the latent Nagorno-Karabakh (Armenia/Azerbaijan) war also reignited in dramatic fashion and has dominated headlines throughout my deployment here. Despite this not being a conflict Georgia has been directly involved with, it has attracted somewhat of a spotlight to the region. In particular, there are potential implications for Black Sea security. The new ‘character of warfare’ that is dominated by drones has been a hot topic of conversation and lively debate. The British Army’s LWC have already issued a lessons learnt document for the conflict, which I would highly recommend reading.
JTEC has recently received a large shipment of new computers and equipment to set up virtual training suites, using Virtual Battlespace 3 (VBS3), to train their Battalions as part of readiness training. I can recall using VBS3 when I was at Sandhurst and MOD Lyneham. Even though I only had a small exposure to the system, I was able to remember much of the functionality and it was easy to jump back in. It was also interesting to see that troops, regardless of nationality, have the same reaction to playing a military simulator… By that, I mean initially going hell for leather in a ‘free for all’ Call of Duty style game, before training properly!
Have British troops previously been in Georgia?
Capt Harrison represented the British Military on Remembrance Sunday
In the past, British troops have attended various exercises and this commitment to the region, specifically Georgia, is likely to endure. A large, combined arms multinational NATO-Georgia exercise is held every three years, with the last taking place in 2019. Despite the COVID-19 situation, more recently a Company from 10 QOGLR and some elements from the LAD attended Ex NOBLE PARTNER 2020. This was a light role multinational exercise that focused on urban operations and interoperability at the tactical level.
Historically, British Troops were deployed to Georgia during WW1 as mediators and established an aid station/hospital in Tbilisi. A highlight for me was representing the British Military on Remembrance Sunday and visiting a Commonwealth Memorial Stone, which was located in the rose garden of a local family. It was hidden and maintained by the family throughout the Soviet occupation of Georgia (1921-1991) and has only recently been rediscovered.
Will you be returning?
In a professional role it is unlikely in the short term, as opportunities are limited to individual augmentees (unless of course you are lucky enough to be part of the annual UK Contingent for Ex NP). However, socially most definitely! From my point of view, it is no exaggeration to say that Georgia is a rare gem in the heart of the Caucasus; still not on the ‘tourist radar’ of most Brits. From hiking in the mountains during the summer or skiing in the winter, to exploring cultural sites that have shaped the country, there is so much to do!
Coastal towns on the Black Sea coast are also a must-see. Renowned for its unique cuisine, award-winning wine and friendly atmosphere, Georgia has not disappointed in that regard! My only regret is that I was unable to explore more of the country due to the COVID situation. I would highly recommend a visit to this fantastic place!
