Renovation of Training Area from Bulboaca to the Attention of Minister of Defense and US Ambassador in the Republic of Moldova

CHISINAU, April 25, 2019 — Minister of Defense Eugen Sturza, together with Ambassador of the USA in the Republic of Moldova, Dereck J. Hogan, visited the National Army Military Training Center in order to observe the process of reconstruction and modernization of the military shooting range that is being renovated in the framework of the Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI), funded by the U.S. Government.

The officials visited the buildings that are being renovated and built — barracks, canteen, bathrooms, medical office, conference room, classrooms, simulation rooms, multifunctional target range, firing range, and depots.

At the end of the visit, Eugen Sturza stated that he is satisfied with how the buildings’ reparation and reconstruction is proceeding and said that the works will finish this summer.

Minister Sturza added that due to GPOI, hundreds of soldiers will have modern working conditions that will contribute to a better training necessary for participation in international peacekeeping missions.

The GPOI was established in 2004 and represents the USA’s contribution to the G8 Action Plan for Expanding Global Capability for Peace Support Operations. Since 1997 and so far, service members from over 53 countries have been trained in the framework of GPOI and previous similar initiatives.

The Republic of Moldova joined GPOI in 2012 with the objective to improve the training conditions for National Army service members deployed to international peacekeeping missions. The Program includes the modernization of the National Army Military Training Center.

The National Army has been participating in international peacekeeping missions since 1997. So far, almost 700 officers and NCOs have participated in peacekeeping operations in Iraq, Liberia, Sudan, South Sudan, Ivory Coast, Central African Republic, Mali, Georgia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, and Kosovo.