Georgian Special Operations Forces

Several elite units were created in 1992. Those included Omega and Alpha, as well as another undisclosed special unit of the State Security. They were formed under the supervision of Igor Giorgadze, who took orders directly from then-Chairman of the Parliament Eduard Shevardnadze. In contrast to their Soviet counterparts, the Georgian units were not specialized in counter-terrorism, instead deployed into conflict zones shortly after their establishment, to act as combat and vital intelligence assets for the military. They were also trained in assassination of HVTs, which caused great controversies in connection with some murder cases and attempted assassinations of the Georgian head of state, that remain unsolved to this date.[24][25] While Omega received training from Western instructors, the members of Alpha were trained and headed primarily by decorated Georgian veterans of the Soviet–Afghan War and former KGB officers, as well as Russian officers from Spetsnaz GRU, some of whom were recruited and initially part of Alpha, to participate in the 1990s conflicts on the Georgian side. Alpha had various military hardware at its disposal, including armored personnel carriers and artillery, but operated mostly covertly and was the only unit in the country that could equip all its operators and diversionary groups with state of the art Western and Soviet communication devices, which enabled them accurate execution of operations, and a constant line of communication with Tbilisi, which was otherwise a rarity to non-existent, in the mostly poorly organized and equipped Georgian forces. The unit strictly opposed the violent behaviour of autonomous paramilitary groups such as Mkhedrioni who committed ethnically motivated crimes, and forbade its members to partake in such actions under the threat of capital punishment. Their good standing with the local populace and ethnic minorities kept the unit supplied and informed. Alpha gained reputation mostly for accomplishing tasks with great deception and swiftness, with as little bloodshed as possible. Examples include the surprise raid and recapture of Khobi from rebels, spreading misinformation among opposition forces that resulted in the unit securing strategically vital locations for the government, such as the port city Poti, disarming insurrectionist groups and recovering military equipment captured by the enemy. Many successes were achieved partially due to recruiting or employing the help of ethnic minorities. Alpha would send small diverse teams of four in civilian or other suitable disguise, and often with its Russian members, to successfully infiltrate hostile territory and on some occasions also the Russian headquarters in Gudauta, in order to gather intelligence for military action. However, the Alpha unit would not engage in direct combat operations in Abkhazia as it was mostly tasked with confronting Zviadist forces in Georgia proper. It also carried out a number of successful hostage rescue operations, but its inexperience and bold approach with such situations resulted in friction between them and the police, and sometimes near disasters.[26] Alpha would be officially disbanded in 1995 following several controversial events and trials.[27] The "White Eagles", one of the few professional units of the Georgian military at the time, National Guard specifically, were part of the garrison in the coastal town Gagra which was struck by a massed separatist assault during the War in Abkhazia. Despite initial success for the defenders Gagra was eventually overrun. Russian involvement became very apparent in that period when an unidentified force consisting of hundreds of soldiers with unmarked uniforms were landed at the coast south of the town and started to push against the Georgian defences. Part of the same force also headed towards Gagra. In the ensuing battle which was costly for both sides, Gocha Karkarashvili, the leader of the White Eagles, and 11 of his men were killed when defending Gagra to their last moment.[28] All sides kept commencing raids and skirmishes against each other after the war and specifically throughout the late 1990s.[29]

In 2002 Georgia carried out a special operation in the infamous Pankisi Gorge known for its supposed hosting of militant groups and criminals elements. The aim was to surround and force the surrender of armed Chechen saboteurs formations that crossed the border. Clashes and arrests occurred all over the region when Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded that the Georgian government handle the situation as it presented a direct threat.[30] It has also been suggested that the US urged Georgia to take action in order to prevent further deterioration of an already tense political environment. The Georgian special forces would continuously transfer captured insurgents to Russian special services.[31][32]

Georgian special forces have been accused multiple times to have carried out numerous assassinations and acts of sabotage in North Caucasus(Russia) and within the separatist regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.[33][34][35] Russia also accused Georgia of using its special forces to train and equip Chechen militants in the Pankisi Gorge who then would pass the Georgian-Russian border to commit terrorist acts in the Russian Federation.[36] The situation in the Gorge is yet still disputed as Georgia itself states to have the Gorge cleared of militant activities contradicting the claims of Russian authorities.

Georgian special operations forces took part in several engagements of the 2008 war. They supported a mobile task force consisting of Interior Ministry special forces that formed the spearhead for the assault on Tskhinvali center.[37] Their most notable involvement was in the attack on general Khrulyov's command battalion on 9 August.[38][39] Early Russian reports gave full credit to Georgian commandos for the near complete destruction of the trapped unit.[40] However, later Russian claims suggest it was more likely part of a combined assault from different military elements including armor.[41] In either case, the Georgian special forces engaged in fighting were fewer in numbers but able to disrupt and stall much larger enemy forces until the general withdrawal.[42] There are also claims that Russian special forces prevented Georgian saboteurs from damaging or destroying the Roki tunnel, Russia's main supply line for the conflict region.[43][44] One special forces member is confirmed to have died in the war.[44][45] Sergeant Kakhaber Tavgorashvili, who was assistant counter-terrorist instructor, was reportedly killed by an Ossetian sniper at Shanghai street in Tskhinvali on 8 August.[46][47] Some 55 sustained mostly light injuries as a result of fighting and shelling.[48]

In 2012 one combat medic of the special forces, corporal Vladimer Khvedelidze, was killed during a controversial engagement with 20 armed militants crossing the Georgian-Dagestani border.[49][50] According to the official version, security forces were reinforced by military after a group of armed men took locals hostage and demanded ransom. The local residents were released when a trapped border guard officer offered himself as a hostage instead insisting he had a much higher value for them. The armed group was offered negotiations but refused the unprofitable conditions and threatened to take the negotiator. In that moment Georgia's anti-terror unit opened fire and killed one of the militants. During the firefight 10 more were killed but also one MIA security officer. In midst of the shootout, the army special forces corpsman tried to evacuate a wounded officer but got attacked and both men died on the spot.[51][52]

In May 2015 Georgian special forces were claimed by Ukrainian officials and also have been accused by Russia and the Donetsk People's Republic to have apprehended Russian nationals fighting with the separatists because they were suspected to be members of Russian special services and military intelligence.[53][54] Georgian nationals, mostly retired servicemen, including former special forces members and police have been confirmed to be fighting with the Ukrainian army intelligence and security services.[55] Georgian instructors were also involved in training Ukraine's special forces.[56] In October 2015 both countries discussed further cooperation that would allow Ukrainian special forces personnel to be trained in Georgia, particularly the Mountain Warfare School.[57]

Georgia's first involvement in peacekeeping operations was part of the KFOR mission. In 1999 a platoon consisting of 34 members of the newly formed unit was stationed in Mamuša as part of the Turkish contingent. They were distinguishable by their shoulder patches and berets but used Turkish equipment. Their primary task was to provide security to the town and protect ethnic minorities from reprisal and violence. Later the contingent was reinforced by an infantry company under German command.[58][59] During the 2001 insurgency in Macedonia the special forces platoon was deployed at the border to combat and disarm insurgent forces that intended to cross over into Kosovo.

In August 2003 Georgia deployed a 70 men strong detachment to Iraq. The contingent consisted of special forces, a sapper unit and medical personnel.[60] The special forces were stationed in Baiji, Iraq and served as QRF. Their task was to respond to insurgent attacks on Coalition forces and other peacekeeping elements as well as conduct patrols, provide base security, VIP and convoy protection in conjunction with U.S. counterparts.[61] Equipment and ammunition was provided by the U.S. They were also assisting in intercepting weapon smuggling over the Iranian border and provide security to officials.[62][63] The contingent would abandon its mission in 2008 due to the outbreak of the Russo-Georgian war.

Towards the end of the ISAF mission from March to October 2014 the former Mountain-Reconnaissance Battalion was deployed to Afghanistan, mainly stationed at the Kandahar Air Base amidst the withdrawal process.[64] The unit's mission was to provide security and carry out patrols and combat operations as well as instruct Afghan artillery units. Prior to deployment the battalion's soldiers participated and prepared in extensive mission rehearsal exercises with U.S. troops in Hohenfels Germany.[65][66]

One reinforced Ranger company was deployed to Afghanistan as part of the Resolute Support Mission. It was tasked with providing security and protection to RSM headquarters.[67] The Rangers were also part of the force that repelled the Taliban attack on the German consulate in 2016.[68]

Current structure as of 2020.[73]

• Finance and Accounting Service
• Headquarters
• Special Operations Forces
  • Special Operations Battalion
    • Naval Special Operations Squadron ( Company )
  • Ranger Battalion
• Special Operations Training Center named after Major Gela Chedia
• Staff Company

The Special Operations Battalion with its supplementary Frogman Company are the primary air-land-sea deployable special operations forces of the Defense Forces of Georgia. They are subordinate to the primary HQ but as part of the respective autonomous military commands, maintain their own sub divisions such as staffs, control-communications & counterintelligence, medical, logistics and supply unit as well other supporting elements. Both units are expected to carry out the full spectrum of special operations, including direct action, special reconnaissance and support tasks in their assigned areas of operation. The Naval Special Operations Squadron provides the naval warfare components of the force and is responsible for the training and development in that area. There is always at least one team from each company in full combat readiness, while the rest conduct training, exercises and education classes.[74] In a constant cycle numerous types of firing drills are being exercised through day and night by one group while another group is training on explosives, a third one in hand-to-hand combat, a fourth in weapons specialisation and so forth.[75] The Ranger Battalion was established as SOF support component in 2009.[76]

The training center consists of following:

• Staff

-S1 -S2 -S3 -S4 -S5 -S6 -S7

• Command
• Special Operations School
• Rangers Preparation School
• Snipers Preparation School
• Paratroopers Preparation School
• Evaluation Development Section
• Logistical Support & Transport Company

Function and mission of the training center is to ensure the development of programs for the development of military servicemen for special subunits, organize and conduct basic courses of special military training in accordance to specialization and provide training and further retraining of the personnel and / or collectively qualified military personnel within the competence. The school certifies successful graduates and subdivisions.[77]

The Ranger School can be but not necessarily has to be of interest to servicemen who want to join the special operations forces. In order to simply earn the Ranger tab without becoming part of the SOF it is sufficient to successfully pass the School.[86] Completing Rangers School is considered a prerequisite for a successful military career. For those who want to become active member of the SOF every single course must be successfully completed. Candidates are required to have served at least two years in the defense forces, and preferably have some limited experience in leadership. In addition, the School's own medical pre-screen report must be satisfactory and a recommendation letter from the applicants acting unit commander is required. The applicant's rank can vary from corporal to lieutenant. Initial physical admission requirements are lower compared to later courses. One of the goals of the Ranger School is to teach its students how to make relevant decisions, manage troops under their command and boost their morale under extreme physical and psychological pressure. The physical requirements for a successful application include: being able to perform at least 49 push-ups, 59 sit-ups, running 8,000 meters in 40 minutes or less, 6 pull-ups, a forced march with equipment at a distance of 25 km (16 mi) in 4 hr 30 min or less and parallel dips and jumps into water from 10 meters. Subsequently, theoretical sessions test the candidates' general intelligence, common army / combat awareness and skillset in land navigation. To pass at least 60% of the questions must be answered correctly. The Rangers School is located near the village Manavi and is an analogue to the United States Ranger School. Throughout the course, future Rangers will be trained in leading combat operations in different weather and on different terrain such as forests / jungles, mountains and populated areas. In tense exercises the servicemen will also adopt advanced leadership capabilities and taught how to respond accordingly in a crisis or arbitrary scenario.[87][88]

Applicants who pass these initial tests will be admitted to the initial preparation course, which lasts about 67 days. There they will deal with following subjects:

• Marksmanship
• Mountain Training
• Airmobile Training
• Military Topography
• Tactical Training
• Medical Training
• Communication
• Engineering Training
• Combat on Urban Terrain

During the preparation for the actual training program, the candidates will acquire the minimum of required skills and experience to pass the specialization course. Initial admission criteria are restricted to ages 19–30 inclusive, Georgian citizenship, a height above 170 cm, a secondary or higher education and a positive report from the medical commission provided by the school itself. Physical requirements are: being able to perform a minimum of 50 push-ups, 50 sit-ups, running a distance of 3,200 m (10,500 ft) in 16:00 minutes or less and 8 pull-ups. The theoretical test on general skills must be passed with a rating of at least 60%. Afterward, the applicants will be interviewed in order to provide general information about their persona. During the subsequent preparation course which' duration is 9 weeks, following subjects will be engaged:[89]

• Marksmanship
• Common Army Tactics
• Military Topography
• Medical Preparation
• Communication
• General Subjects
• Physical Training

The final stage begins after completion of all preparation courses. The applicants will receive all necessary theoretical and practical insight and training in order to be able to conduct operations under similar conditions as the Special Forces School. Admission criteria for civilians are the successful completion of the BIT/BCT (Basic Combat Training) and Rangers preparation courses. The admission tests are the same as those of the initial preparation course except the passing score for theoretical tests must be at least 70%. The theoretical tests include: Tactical Training, Marksmanship, Engineering Training, Topography, Communication and General Skills. After passing these successfully, the applicants will be admitted to the training course, which' duration is 28 weeks.[90]

The general subjects of the course are:

• Training on Water
• Marksmanship
• Mountain Training
• Airmobile Training
• Survival
• Military Topography
• Tactical Training
• Medical Training
• Communication
• Engineering Training
• Physical Training

GSOF navigate to LZ after deploying from a US C-130

The airborne training is divided into Paratroopers Basic Training Course and Parachute Rigger Training Course. During the basic course, the students will be trained to carry out parachute jumps under the supervision of instructors with ram-air parachutes in light meteorological conditions, from average altitude, medium speed and with equipment and weapons. Criteria as of age is unrestricted. Any serviceman who has a satisfactory medical report will be admitted to the course which will take three weeks. Subjects will be the history of parachute development, material parts, theoretical parts of parachute jumping, rules of movement and airdrome, aircraft tour, parachute jumping elements on land, special cases during jumping, packing the parachute and practical jumps.

During the so-called Rigger course, the paratroopers will learn how to use, pack, maintain and repair the TTS, T-10B and T-10R parachutes. The course can be attended by personnel who have already passed the basic training course and carried out at least five jumps. The course program also includes two forced jumps.

Servicemen who passed both courses and can prove an overall record of 35 jumps, can apply for Land Instructor-Parachutist Training Course in which they will learn the methods of conducting theoretical parachute and land preparations, organizing parachute jumps and making records, as well as paratroopers instructor duties.

The course duration is seven days and includes 3 days of practical jumps. The program includes six jumps, the first, the second, the third and the fourth with equipment and weapons.[91][92]

Georgian Special Forces move towards an objective during exercise Noble Partner 2018

The main purpose of the Special Forces School is for applicants to acquire and master necessary skillsets and insight to conduct special missions and operations under extremely tense physical and psychological pressure in provided close to real scenarios so that realistic and prompt evaluations of situations and relevant and important decision making is schooled and refined.

Admission criteria are strictly restricted to ages 21 to 31 inclusive, attested experience in leadership is preferred. The applicants must pass every single course of the Ranger School with satisfactory results to be admitted for selection. Admission requirements for the initial application are split into physical tests which include being able to perform a minimum of 60 push-ups, 66 sit-ups, running a distance of 3,200 meters in 14:24 minutes or less and 10 pull-ups, an Intelligence test and combined tests in army awareness in which 80% of the answers must be correct and finally a recommendation and citation letter from the candidates acting unit commander.

Active servicemen who can prove a satisfactory medical report and successfully passed the entrance examinations, as well as all other requirements, will be allowed to take part in the course.

The course's duration is 31 weeks in which following subjects will be engaged:[93]

• Marksmanship
• Mountain Training
• Airmobile Training
• Military Topography
• Tactical Training
• Medical Training
• Communication
• Engineering Training
• Command Training
• Physical Training
• Hand-to-Hand Fighting
• Preparation of Specialists
  • Preparation of medics
  • Preparation of weapon specialists
  • Preparation of engineering and demolitions specialists

Additional courses are:

• Pistol Marksmanship Special Course
• Naval Special Course
• Bodyguard Course
• Antiterrorist Course.

Less than 10%, often only 5% of the applicants will pass and are annually accepted to become members of Georgia's special forces units.

The SF sniper school trains special forces personnel as well as regular army members from age 18 to 40 in modern sniper warfare in accordance with higher international standards.

The special forces sniper course requires special forces personnel to have a marksmanship level expert or I class to be accepted to the course. Other criteria are a Common Army Awareness Test, a Memory Test, the Shooting from Sniper Rifles, psychological tests and a physical test which equals that of Special Forces School with the exactly same requirements. Special forces personnel passing these tests will undergo a 12-week-long course engaging following subjects:[94]

• Marksmanship
• Sniper Tactics
• Sniper Tracking
• Survival
• Special Reconnaissance

During the course, theoretical evaluations must amount 70% of correct answers.

After completion of all necessary courses until Sniper Course in a time period of 24 to 27 months or longer depending on if started as civilian or servicemen, the candidate may be granted title of Special Operations Forces Soldier. Service in the special unit grants access to the special operations groups and further education for special naval warfare or intelligence and logistics. Unit members will be taught in foreign languages and sent abroad to train together with partner nations.[95]