DUSHANBE, February 23, 2011, Asia-Plus - This year, the National Army Day is being marked without pomp and no military parade is held, according to the Ministry of Defense (MoD).

“Today morning, President Emomali Rahmon and Defense Minister Sherali Khairulloyev are laying 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 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.