"In This Country, Only We Work Poorly": Contract Soldiers Alarm that They Have Not Received Bonuses

Auroranews has received an alarming report from a group of contract soldiers in the Ministry of Defense regarding unpaid portions of their December salary. It is worth noting that the issue is not about the base salary, but rather bonuses, which, according to the concerned soldiers, are given for performing combat duty.

“They say we will receive it in January, but the year is ending, and to be honest, we don’t even believe that we will get it. All other departments received bonuses and a 13th salary, but border guards and those working in the military are deprived of all this. Meanwhile, employees from other sectors deserve it—yet they couldn’t even make an exception by paying our bonuses in December so that we can celebrate the New Year properly. Surely, patrol officers, police, MPs, and government employees work better than us; they don't serve at 3000 meters above sea level. The sound of the wind that you hear—they don’t work under such conditions, which is why they are more valued,” said one of the contract soldiers.

According to him, the same situation prevails in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th army corps. “You can easily call various military units—such as in Noyemberyan or Chambarak—and you will confirm that we are right. Everyone has found themselves in the same situation; perhaps some may refuse to speak up out of fear, but the fact remains that we are in such a predicament. We have always received salaries and bonuses in parts, but as we close this year, we also wish to make minimal expenses for our families to at least celebrate the New Year—it's not like we are receiving high salaries. Would our officials complain? Would they be happy, and would they approach it with understanding if they were in our place? We all clearly know the answer to that question,” said another soldier.

We inquired if they had contacted their superiors regarding this issue. They stated that they had done so but indicated that their superiors are in the same position and can do nothing. It should be noted that Auroranews is attempting to obtain clarification from the Ministry of Defense regarding this matter. We have chosen not to publish the names of the soldiers who contacted us for understandable reasons.