KRTSANISI, Republic of Georgia -- The 54-member Georgia Sustainment and Stability Operations Program U.S. Task Force, many of them veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, celebrated the completion of their mission to train the Republic of Georgia’s 22nd Light Infantry Battalion soldiers.
The graduation ceremony held at Krtsanisi, Georgia Dec. 16, 2005, marked a proud moment in the lives of the Georgians who will fill more than 530 positions in Iraq.
“Our mission was to train and equip the 22nd Light Infantry Battalion in preparation for its mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Our duty was to help the 22nd Battalion realize its full potential and I am confident we accomplished that and more,” said Maj. Melvin L. Chattman, 38, the GSSOP Task Force commanding officer and native of Memphis, Tenn.
The United States Ambassador in Georgia John Tefft addressed the U.S. Task Force and the Georgian 22nd Battalion during the ceremony.
“I congratulate Maj. Chattman and our outstanding team for the work they did in training (the 22nd Battalion),” said Tefft.
“I think you know that yesterday in Iraq, Iraqi people voted in overwhelming numbers in parliamentary elections,” Tefft said. “That’s what operation Iraqi Freedom is all about, to give the people of Iraq the opportunity to exercise the freedom, the democratic rights, that you in Georgia, that we in the United States, and the other members of the multinational coalition all treasure.”
The GSSOP-trained 22nd Light Infantry Battalion troops will form part of the dedicated force called for in UN Security Council Resolution 1546 to protect UN forces in Iraq.
“The mission ahead of you will be difficult. It will be potentially dangerous, but it’s very, very important for the entire world, for Georgia, for the United States,” said Tefft. “I wish you all the very best. God bless you all.”
Through GSSOP the 22nd Battalion was professionalized with training and equipment so they could adequately meet the tough challenge they volunteered for.
Chattman asked those in attendance for additional support, “let us keep the 22nd in our prayers. Let us ask our eternal father, strong to save, to keep his hedge of protection around the 22nd Battalion and send his angels to watch over them wherever they may go.”
Because they rose and met the challenge of GSSOP training, the officers and soldiers of the 22nd Light Infantry Battalion are prepared for duty in Iraq, according to Chattman. “For four months (they) toiled through a comprehensive combat training program that enriched and enhanced (their) war-fighting capabilities.”
Training the 22nd Battalion under the GSSOP is further evidence that the U.S. and Georgia are continually building a solid alliance as partners in the Global War on Terror.
A primary effect of the GSSOP is that the new and improved Georgian Army in conjunction with U.S. trained Georgian law enforcement are more capable of securing the Georgian boarders, keeping the Caucus Region off the ever shrinking list of potential safe havens for terrorists.
“Georgia has stood beside the United States throughout the Global War on Terrorism efforts and the GSSOP mission represents our continuing partnership and collaborative effort towards a brighter future,” said Chattman.
The Task Force leader urged the 22nd Battalion soldiers to continue honing their combat skills and enlarging their scope of war-fighting.
“Train for the full spectrum of war,” he said. “Expend as much energy as possible building your individual skills as well as improving your operational readiness because the more you sweat during peace the less you’ll bleed during war.”
Confident in the ability of the U.S. Task Force instructors to teach the skills needed in a combat environment to accomplish the mission and survive, Chattman told the 22nd Battalion to lean on what the Marines and sailors taught them.
“Your mission ahead will be challenging, but be not afraid of what lies ahead,” said Chattman. “You have worked long hard hours perfecting your basic combat skills. Rely on those skills and techniques to help you accomplish your mission.”
With the 22nd Battalion’s completion of GSSOP training the Georgian Army is closer to their goal of westernizing their methods of operation in order to shake off the old and faulty Soviet doctrine.
Meeting western standards will aid Georgia in its goal to achieve a more modern military.
“A skillful army places itself into a position which makes defeat impossible and this commemorative graduation signifies yet another impressive step in Georgia’s effort to modernize its forces in order to create a Ministry of Defense that will ensure the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Georgia,” said Chattman.
Chattman’s closing remarks likely conveyed the sentiment of the entire U.S. Task Force, “Georgia, you continue to carve a place in our hearts and memories. Thank you for allowing us to share in this commemorative occasion. Fair winds and following seas and may God bless our nations. Semper Fidelis.”