Military Service Duration for Women Set at 6 Months

The female citizens can also be drafted into mandatory military service. The government of Armenia approved the draft amendments to the "Military Service and the Status of Servicemen" law. Minister of Defense Suren Papikyan informed that the duration of mandatory military service for women has been set at 6 months.

According to Papikyan, the service will be voluntary, but once drafted, citizens will be obliged to serve for 6 months. "After completing military service, a bonus will be set according to the government's decision, which is anticipated to be 1 million drams," Papikyan stated.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan also mentioned that this falls within the framework of the concept of having a professional army. "We are discussing the issue of opening a new chapter in our country's history," he noted. Pashinyan added that this service will not be a leisurely activity.

"Women can voluntarily be drafted and undergo mandatory 6-month service. This service will be a normal service, not a walk in the unit. There will be servicemen who will be discharged and return to civilian life, and these individuals will supplement the reserve forces. There will be people who wish to continue in professional service, and they will join our active army and transition to contract-based military service," he explained.