The Armenian peacekeeping battalion may be re-organized into a peacekeeping brigade, RA Deputy Defense Minister, General Lieutenant Artur Aghabekyan stated. "We consider the transformation of the battalion into a brigade meeting the NATO standards," Aghabekyan said. In his words, the issue is viewed within the Armenian-American military cooperation. He noted the future element will include rapid deployment forces as well as medical, rescue and combat engineer units. "Armenia views the formation of peacekeeping units as introduction of professional component into the armed forces, since the staff of the peacekeeping forces is generally replenished with professional military," the Deputy Defense Minister added.