David Aghmashenebeli, the National Defense Academy of Georgia, is the beacon of hope for the future of the Georgian Defense Forces. As the leading military Academy in the country, it provides comprehensive training for officers with higher academic and military education.
The day of the National Defense Academy of Georgia is August 20.
The David Aghmashenebeli National Defence Academy, commonly known as the ETA, is the leading military Institution for the educational training of senior officers in the Georgian Defence Forces. It is a legal entity under the Ministry of Defence of Georgia.
It is a LEPL (leading higher military Institution) that aims to imbue officers with the highest academic and military education standards. Brigadier General Malkhaz Makaradze is the current rector of the ETA.
The history of the National Defense Academy of Georgia is a testament to resilience and determination. It dates back to 1918, the day of the restoration of state independence of Georgia. During the period of the Democratic Republic of Georgia, under the leadership of the Chief of the Defense Forces of Georgia, General Giorgi Kvinitadze, the Georgian Junker Military School was established in the autumn of 1919. Despite facing challenges, including the Russian occupation of Georgia in 1921, the Academy has stood the test of time.
In February 1921, during the Russian-Georgian war, 148 junkers of the Georgian military school demonstrated their unwavering commitment to professional duty. They bravely took part in the fight against the 11th Red Army, holding their combat positions until the end. In Georgian reality, the word “Junker” was established as a symbol of dedication, dignity, and loyalty to professional duty, a legacy that the Academy continues to uphold.
On May 28, 1993, based on the order of the Minister of Defense of Georgia, the United Military Academy of the Republic of Georgia was established, which received the first stream of students on September 1, 1993. On February 20, 2003, the Academy was given the name of David Aghmashenebeli; since 2009, the school has been located in the city of Gori.
Currently, the Academy is successfully functioning in the undergraduate school, master’s degree, junior officer’s school, and scientific research center, shaping the future of our defense forces.
