DUSHANBE, February 21, 2011, Asia-Plus - Preparations for celebrations to mark the 18th anniversary of the formation of the Armed Forces of Tajikistan are under way.

This year, the National Army Day will be marked without pomp and no military parade will be held, according to the Ministry of Defense (MoD).

“On the morning of February 23, President Emomali Rahmon and Defense Minister Sherali Khairulloyev will lay wreaths at the Monument to Military Glory in Dushanbe’s Victory Park and a meeting dedicated to the 18th anniversary of the formation of the Armed Forces of Tajikistan will take place at the Ministry of Defense,” Faridoun Mahmadaliyev, a spokesman for a MoD, said.

According to him, the meeting participants will include senior representatives from the ministry, general staff, flag officers and the most distinguished officers and soldiers.

Tajik National Army Day has been marked on February 23 since 1993.

Tajik army consists of three kinds of armed forces: Air and Air-Defense Force, Ground Force and Mobile Force.  The Mobile Force of Tajik Army was founded in 2005 without increase in a total strength of the country’s army.  Besides, Air and Air-Defense Forces were united also in 2005.