Georgian Defense Ministry to start implementing new concept in 2013

The new Georgian defense concept will start implementation in 2013, Defense Minister Dmitry Shashkin said on August 6, News Georgia reports.

The concept is based on Total Care, Total Training and Total Defense. Total Care is the socio-economic protection of soldiers and their families, including healthcare, education, transport and bank benefits.

The Defense Ministry will finance 4 years of education as a bachelor after a year of military service for soldiers starting in 2013. Further military service will allow financing of master’s studies.

Children of soldiers serving for 16 years will receive grants for bachelor studies; wives of the military will receive a voucher for professional education.

Total Training is essential for Georgian integration in NATO. It includes advanced training techniques.

Total Defense pays special attention to training reservists.