I Don’t Want to Discuss Such a Scenario: Deputy Minister of Defense on the Accelerated Military Service Project

The proposal for an accelerated military service project, suggested by MP Haik Sargsyan from the 'My Step' faction, has stirred significant debate within the community. According to the draft law, a citizen who has avoided military service and is currently abroad can return to Armenia before turning 27, pay 10 million drams, and receive rapid training in certain military skills within one month. Sargsyan claims this is a measure to combat emigration and an impetus to strengthen the Armenian army.

During a press briefing, Sargsyan mentioned that the project has not yet been discussed within the faction, although some MPs have approached him in support of the bill. Arthur Davtyan, a member of the state-legal committee of the 'My Step' faction, told 'Haykakan Zhamanak' that the draft has both advantages and disadvantages. According to him, the primary consideration should be the Ministry of Defense's conclusion and position. One potential advantage of this project is that it may prevent many from leaving Armenia, while another positive aspect is the creation of paid military service, which may encourage men to return from abroad and be with their families. Additionally, Davtyan noted that the young men involved will at least have some familiarity with the army and will obtain military service records as a result of this initiative.

Among the negative aspects, Davtyan highlighted that the sum of 10 million drams is inadequate, suggesting it should be at least 20 million drams, as the low fee could lead to a large number of people taking advantage of the opportunity. He also expressed that, in his opinion, there are no corruption risks since this will be entirely a state payment. When asked whether he would vote in favor of the bill, Davtyan indicated that the payment threshold should be raised, and if the fee were at least 20 million drams, he would likely support the proposal.

Deputy Minister of Defense Gabriel Balayan, speaking with reporters in the National Assembly, stated that there is a negative position within the Ministry regarding this project. He argued that not only should this draft not be approved, but also that the current law should not be extended. According to current legislation, citizens can evade military service, return to Armenia after turning 27, pay 3.6 million drams, and be freed from criminal liability.

'The foundation of military service is the Constitution, which states that every citizen is obligated to participate in the defense of the Republic's borders,' Balayan remarked, adding that the grounds for not undergoing military service are also defined by law. When addressing the month-long military service proposal, the deputy minister noted that the training phase lasts at least five months, and they cannot consider reducing that period. Nonetheless, as Balayan mentioned, this is his personal opinion, and perhaps there is international experience that MP Haik Sargsyan drew upon while drafting the bill. When queried about the army's readiness for such a change if the law is adopted, the Deputy Minister expressed that he does not wish to discuss such scenarios but reiterated that the Ministry of Defense is executing its legally defined powers and honors its obligations as stipulated by law.