Draft Exemption Conditions for Enlistees to Be Tightened

During the draft, the regulation for granting exemptions based on health issues has been revised. An individual conscripted for mandatory military service will have the right to a one-year exemption when diagnosed with illnesses specified by law, without the possibility of extension, and up to three years for severe illnesses.

This was announced by the Minister of Defense, Suren Papikyan. “The exemption period is set for one or three years, depending on the type of illness and the medical conclusion. If it becomes clear during the exemption period that the illness has not progressed or that treatment has been possible through surgical intervention, the conscript may be drafted, taking into account service limitations,” said the minister.

According to Papikyan, within one year, the individual will receive medical treatment at the government’s expense and, provided that there is no deterioration in health, will be drafted with limitations, deemed fit, and will complete full service.

“This concerns non-visible illnesses. There are certain types of illnesses stipulated by law for which the exemption will last for one or three years. Unfortunately, there is a lack of public interest in restoring health through medical intervention. As a result, until now, such individuals have been able to extend this one-year exemption repeatedly. This regulation has become a loophole to evade mandatory military service,” the minister stated.

Addressing issues related to gallbladder surgery, Papikyan noted that a significant portion of the Armenian Armed Forces officers face such problems due to age. “Considering that modern surgeries are very quick and have little significant impact on health, in this case, the possibility of serving with limitations will be provided,” added Papikyan.

According to the Minister, as a result of this decision, many officers will have the opportunity to continue their service and later pass assessments. “This approach is aimed at improving the draft system and ensuring that fit individuals are included in service while maintaining health preservation principles,” noted Suren Papikyan.