Georgia’s Defense Minister Allows Military Personnel to Serve Near Home

TBILISI – Georgia’s Defense Minister Tina Khidasheli issued a new order Tuesday allowing Georgian military personnel to serve in units near their place of residence.

According Ministry of Defense’s press office, soldiers, sailors and airmen who have already completed their first contracted service in the Georgian Armed Forces will be allowed to choose a unit close to their registered home address for the duration of their service.

Khidasheli had previously said she would the rules to be changed in order to help recruit more professional contract soldiers

“One of the problems military servicemen face is the prospect of having to serve far from home. We made a decision some time ago and promised the members of our armed forces that we would look into the matter. Fifty-two servicemen from the 31st Battalion based in Batumi have already been reassigned to units near to their home,” Khidasheli said in her official statement.

The Defense Ministry also said those serving in the armed forces would now be required to pass a psychological and physical examination after signing their recruitment papers. They will then undergo a vigourous 10-week basic military course.

People between the ages of 18-35 and young people who already passed their compulsory military or contract-based service can be recruited into the military on a four-year contract.

Military personnel then receive a 950 GEL ($400) monthly during those four years. The salary increases based on rank, position and experience.