PhD in History
Associate Professor
Free University of Tbilisi; the National Archives of Georgia
Tbilisi, Georgia
ORCID: 0009-0007-2240-3467
d.silakadze@freeuni.edu.ge

The Military Education and Combat Experience of the Commanders-in-Chief of the Democratic Republic of Georgia

In the Democratic Republic of Georgia (1918–1921), no permanent office of Commander-in-Chief existed during peacetime. However, in the event of war or imminent military threat, a special position of Commander-in-Chief was established. At different times, this post was held by three generals: Aleksandre Gedevanishvili, Ilia Odichelidze, and Giorgi Kvinitadze. Beyond serving as Commanders-in-Chief, these three individuals also occupied other key military posts during the republic’s existence and represented pivotal figures within its armed forces.

This paper, drawing upon both previously known sources and hitherto unexplored archival materials, situates its analysis against the backdrop of the Russian Imperial Army’s transformation. It examines the nature of the military education and combat experience with which these three generals entered the period of Georgia’s independence and assesses to what extent their training and professional background corresponded to the high and demanding responsibilities of the positions they held.

 

Keywords: Democratic Republic of Georgia; military history; Georgian generals.