I Have a Negative Attitude: Former Chief of Staff on Reduction of Mandatory Military Service

“I have a negative attitude towards the decision to shorten the duration of mandatory military service.” This statement was made by the former Chief of the General Staff, Colonel General Movses Hakobyan, during a conversation with NEWS.am, in response to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s announcement that from January 1, 2026, the length of mandatory military service will be reduced.

When asked what issues or consequences this decision could pose for the Armed Forces, Hakobyan replied, “I reiterate, I have a negative attitude; you can make your own assumptions regarding the rest.”