Defense Ministry plans structural reform in territorial defense

PanARMENIAN.Net - Deputy Defense Minister Arman Sargsyan announced in the National Assembly that the Ministry of Defense is proposing the creation of local defense forces to replace the existing militia system. He presented a package of legislative amendments outlining these changes.

"According to this proposal, the current militia system will be replaced by local defense forces," Sargsyan stated, as reported by Aravot.

He clarified that the overall command of these forces will be carried out by the army corps leadership.

"They will be incorporated into military units as supporting divisions," he added.

According to Sargsyan, local defense forces will be formed from individuals registered in their respective communities who are not assigned to active wartime positions, belong to the second reserve group, or have been removed from military records.

"Recruitment will be voluntary, based on a contract with the individual, which will not be considered a military service contract," he noted.

The government has approved a legislative initiative amending the "Law on Defense," the "Law on Territorial Administration," the "Law on Local Self-Government in Yerevan," and the "Law on Local Self-Government" in Armenia.