Strengthening NATO’s MW Capabilities: A Flourishing Partnership with Georgian Sackhere Mountain Training School

In 2023, a significant milestone was achieved during our annual Congress as the NATO Mountain Warfare Centre of Excellence (NATO MW COE) signed a Letter of Cooperation with the Georgian Sackhere Mountain Training School (SMTS). This agreement marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership that has since brought new opportunities for both organizations. This year, the collaboration has deepened, offering even greater benefits and strengthening NATO’s mountain warfare capabilities.

Expanding Opportunities Through Collaboration

The partnership between NATO MW COE and SMTS has opened the door to various joint initiatives. Notably, SMTS will participate in our Centre’s events this year, supported by the NATO Defence Education Enhancement Programme (DEEP). This involvement will enhance their training programs and provide them with valuable insights into their approach to mountain warfare.

NATO MW COE has also eagerly embraced the opportunity to learn from SMTS’s extensive experience in mountain training. Our participation in this collaboration is not just about gaining knowledge for ourselves but about enhancing our professionalism to benefit all partner nations. One of the most significant collaborations so far has been the participation of two Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from Centre’s Education and Training Branch in SMTS’s most advanced program, the High Mountain Team Leaders Course. Beginning on 23 August 2024, this course presented a unique chance for NATO representatives to engage with and learn from SMTS’s deep expertise in mountain operations.

Advanced Training in Challenging Conditions

During the first week of the High Mountain Team Leaders Course, Centre’s representatives honed their skills at the Basic Combat Training Center in Akhalkalaki and the nearby Abuli mountain shooting range. The training focused on a variety of firing exercises that included shooting from negative (downwards), positive (upwards), and slope-to-slope angles—techniques that are crucial for effective combat in mountainous terrains.

The rapidly changing weather conditions in the mountains added an extra layer of difficulty, making the training far more challenging than standard shooting exercises. This experience has been invaluable in not only deepening our own understanding of mountain warfare but also in ensuring that the lessons learned will be shared across all NATO partner nations, enhancing collective operational readiness.

Building a Stronger Future

The ongoing collaboration between NATO MW COE and the Georgian Sackhere Mountain Training School is a testament to the value of international partnerships in enhancing military capabilities. By focusing on increasing our professional skills, we are committed to sharing this expertise with all partner nations, ensuring that NATO as a whole benefits from our collective experiences.

As the partnership continues to grow, it will undoubtedly play a crucial role in preparing our forces for the complexities of operating in mountainous regions, ensuring they are ready to meet the challenges of modern warfare in these demanding environments.