Special Forces Soldiers' Salaries to Significantly Increase, Says Papikyan

The Ministry of Defense of Armenia will launch a new program, in which special forces soldiers will be the first to participate in the certification process. As a result, their salaries will significantly increase. This was announced by Armenia's Minister of Defense Suren Papikyan.

“All necessary prerequisites and conditions will be created in the near future that will enable an increase in the combat and physical preparedness of soldiers, and modern reconnaissance measures that meet contemporary requirements will be acquired,” the minister assured.

It is noteworthy that today Minister Suren Papikyan and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces and Deputy Minister of Defense, Major General Edward Asryan participated in an event dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the formation of the Armed Forces' reconnaissance troops and the professional holiday of scouts at the Ministry of Defense's N military unit.

The minister awarded a group of soldiers from special operations units with departmental medals, badges, and valuable gifts. He also posthumously handed awards to the families of fallen soldiers.

It should be reminded that a few days ago, Minister Suren Papikyan presented the certification program for soldiers developed by the Ministry of Defense at the National Assembly's Defense and Security Committee, following which a salary increase is expected.

The minister noted that currently, a regular contract soldier not engaged in combat duty earns an average of 155,000 drams (about $390) per month, while a soldier on combat duty earns about 200,000 drams. After certification, the former will receive a “net” salary of approximately 215,000 drams, meaning after taxes, and the latter will earn up to 300,000 drams.