Certification and Bonuses Will Create Problems in the Armed Forces, There Will Be Unequal Conditions: Ohanyan

During today’s session of the National Assembly, the Minister of Defense of Armenia, Suren Papikyan, presented a package of legislative amendments to the laws "On Remuneration of Persons Holding State Positions and State Service Positions" and "On Military Service and the Status of Military Personnel." According to the Minister, it is proposed to establish bonuses for contract military personnel holding positions with direct responsibilities for the implementation, planning, or control of combat missions, in order to increase the attractiveness and interest in contract military service. The calculation of the bonus will be planned based on these military personnel passing certification.

“For the purpose of calculating the bonus, contract military personnel currently holding positions with responsibilities for the implementation, planning, and control of combat missions will participate in the certification voluntarily. Moreover, those serving in designated and relevant positions in each group of military positions for the first time or those rejoining contract military service from the reserve will be subject to certification no earlier than three months from the date of assuming the position, and no later than the last day of the fourth month,” Papikyan stated.

If, based on the certification results, the right to receive a bonus is obtained, the bonus will be calculated from the date of appointment to the position. Military personnel who do not gain the right to receive a bonus based on the certification results can apply for re-certification no more than twice a year.

The leader of the “Armenia” faction, Seyran Ohanyan, declared that the entire certification system in the RA Armed Forces is linked to bonuses, which he believes is incorrect. “We have stated that the issues related to certification and bonuses presented by this principle will lead to outflow from the Armed Forces, create unequal conditions, and there will be unequal conditions during combat operations. One who receives a bonus may become a coward, while another may act heroically,” said the former Minister of Defense.

He stated that they proposed to the Ministry of Defense to maintain the certification system as it is, but there are qualifications for professional competencies: 3rd, 2nd, and 1st. “We have suggested to tighten those criteria and to present bonuses only within the principles of that regulation,” Ohanyan noted.

However, Defense Minister Suren Papikyan stated that they had rejected the “Armenia” faction’s proposal. The Minister emphasized that this project could have a significant impact on the establishment of a professional army.