NUMBER OF PEOPLE AVOIDING CONSCRIPTION HAS DECREASED: GAGIK HARUTYUNYAN

Tert
Nov 5 2009
Armenia

During this autumn’s call to military service, those avoiding
conscription comprise 25% of the total pool of individuals required to
serve in the army, Colonel Gagik Harutyunyan, head of the conscription
department, stated at a press conference today. He said the number
of those avoiding military service decreased by 50% as compared to
previous years. As an aside, women do not have to undergo compulsory
military service in Armenia.

The colonel’s explanations on why young people are less often avoiding
military service is quite interesting. Harutyunyan said that this
is first and foremost conditioned by the fact that today our country
has a steady army and secondly, today young people realize quite well
that military service is very important for them, especially if they
have serious future plans.

At Tert.am’s request, Harutyunyan explained why those who have
completed their mandatory military service are periodically called
to the military recruitment offices. According to him, individuals
who have already served in the army remain registered until the age
of 50 and are called to the military offices and undergo training
exercises during a time of peace. They are considered to be conscripts
in reserve.