Incentives Possible for Non-Smoking Soldiers

According to a response from the Ministry of Defense to the inquiry of ruling party MP Haik Sargsyan, it has been revealed that 67% of conscript soldiers smoke, and a significant portion began smoking during their service. In the National Assembly, Sargsyan noted that 69% of lower-ranking personnel and 88% of officers smoke. He expressed that these figures are alarming.

The MP inquired of Defense Minister Suren Papikyan whether it would be possible to establish incentives allowing non-smoking servicemen to be discharged sooner or receive additional leave. The Minister responded that while incentive mechanisms related to leaves could be considered, any reduction in service time is not currently on the table for discussion.

Papikyan added that he personally does not smoke and is concerned about the increasing smoking trends in society, but emphasized that any prohibition should be legal. He indicated that imposing restrictions on individuals above the legal adult age requires extensive discussion and stressed that isolating servicemen from society would not be acceptable for them.