Winter Draft Kicks Off in Kotayk Region

On February 9, the winter draft has begun in the Kotayk region. The first new recruits of 2021 are departing for mandatory military service.

A ceremony to send off the recruits was held at the St. John the Baptist Church in Abovyan, attended by Kotayk Governor Mesrop Mesropyan, Abovyan community leader Vahagn Gevorgyan, representatives from the Ministry of Defense, Armed Forces, Military Police, and local law enforcement, as well as other regional and municipal authorities.

Congratulating and wishing the recruits a good service, Governor Mesropyan stated: “Dear recruits, today Armenia and the Armenian Armed Forces are going through difficult times. Today, being an Armenian soldier is a high and responsible calling more than ever. Never think that the Armenian Army and the Armenian soldier are defeated; we should never have even the slightest doubt that soldiers, officers, and freedom fighters have failed to fulfill their combat assignments at any time. Boys, you are the Armenian Army. I urge you brotherly and paternal: during these two years of service, support each other, cherish love and respect for one another. You are the first guarantors of Armenia's security; be strong. I wish you a safe service; may we welcome all of you here again in two years, healthy and joyful, with songs and dances. I am confident that the Armenian Army will celebrate many glorious victories to come. Good service, dear recruits!”

Following this, the priest of St. John the Baptist Church, Axel Dpir Baghumyan, said a prayer to send off the recruits, who were also wished a good and safe service by Abovyan Mayor Vahagn Gevorgyan and Colonel Arthur Baghramyan, head of the Kotayk regional recruitment and mobilization office of the Ministry of Defense.