Formation of Student Volunteer Battalions Proposed by Andranik Kocharyan

Andranik Kocharyan, the chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on Defense and Security, has proposed the formation of student volunteer battalions, which will participate in specific engineering tasks at the front lines. According to the lawmaker, the idea for the initiative emerged during visits to engineering structures at the front, in collaboration with the committee and the leadership of the defense ministry.

Kocharyan reported that the proposal has been discussed with both members of his committee and with the Ministers of Defense and Education, Science, Culture, and Sport, receiving their approval. He noted that students who participate in the program will be encouraged by the state.

The initiative was discussed on June 26 with representatives from the National Assembly, the Ministry of Defense, the General Staff of the Armed Forces, the Vazgen Sargsyan Military Academy, and the Committee on Higher Education and Science. Participants welcomed the idea, noting that the proposal has been sent to higher educational institutions, and responses have already been received.

The program is expected to be implemented in July-August. The responsible individuals for the formation of the student battalions will be cadets from the Vazgen Sargsyan Military Academy, and there will also be female members in the groups.

Kocharyan stated that the program will provide young people with the opportunity to take part in addressing the country's defense challenges, acquire new skills, and get acquainted with the daily life of the army. According to the lawmaker, studying international experiences has revealed that similar programs are being implemented in several European countries. Participants have thoroughly discussed issues related to the implementation of the program.