GTEP Opens New Command Center in Defense Ministry

(Tbilisi, Civil Georgia, July 24, 2002) – The new National Military Command Center (NMCC) opened today, which is located in the Ministry of Defense Headquarters in Tbilisi, Georgia Train-and-Equip program (GTEP) Public Affairs Office reports. 

$350,000 of GTEP funds was allocated to renovate and upgrade the national-level command and control capability of the Ministry of Defense (MoD). 

The NMCC is a secure work center equipped with the latest desktop computers and other modern communications equipment.  It is designed to serve as the primary command and control point and receive and relay critical information in times of national emergency.

MoD senior officers and representatives from applicable non-government agencies then work together in the NMCC to develop options for the president of Georgia and General Staff.    

The NMCC cost includes a contract to train Georgian soldiers to operate and maintain the new communications equipment.  The NMCC will also be used to support exercises throughout GTEP training.

The field training of commando battalion will start within the GTEP by the end of August. At the moment 400 servicemen are being selected that will participate in battalion trainings.