Georgia Train and Equip Program (GTEP)

GTEP began in May 2002 and addresses the need to enhance Georgia’s security and guarantee its sovereignty. It is designed to assist Georgia in border security, anti-terrorism, crisis response, and military reform. The goal of the program is to train four Georgian Army light infantry battalions and a mechanized company team. Selected elements of the Georgian Border Guards and other security forces are participating with the goal of providing greater interoperability with the Ministry of Defense in time of crisis. In December 2002, the program graduated its first combat battalion, which is now ready for deployment against international terrorists on Georgian territory.

Maj. Scott Campbell, Task Force GTEP Commanding Officer, addresses the audience at the Feb. 1, 2003 opening ceremony for Phase IIIB, the Mountain Warfare training phase of the Georgia Train and Equip Program. The U.S. Marine Corps is conducting the training for Phase IIIB.

U.S. Marines and Army soldiers stand in formation with the Georgian Army forces during the Feb. 1, 2003 opening ceremony of Phase IIIB of the Georgia Train and Equip Program.