Armenia Plans to Replace Militia with Local Defense Forces
Armenia intends to replace the militia with local defense forces. This was announced by Deputy Defense Minister Arman Sargsyan during a session of the National Assembly.
The proposed changes define the objectives, roles, command principles, structure, and recruitment procedures for the defense forces. Sargsyan explained that the overall command of the local defense forces will be carried out by the commander of the army corps, these forces will be integrated into the units operating under the subordination of military formations as support units.
The local defense forces will be staffed on a voluntary basis through contracts with individuals registered in the community, those not assigned to wartime positions, or those listed in the second reserve group or removed from military registration. However, this contract will not constitute an agreement for military service.
The amendments also outline the conditions for citizens’ involvement, training, and utilization within the local defense force units. These conditions are largely similar to those specified for militia members under the current law.
Samvel Mkhitaryan