Civilnet
By Siranush Adamyan
The Armenian government has approved a bill to shorten mandatory military service from two years to 18 months. The winter conscription period is set to begin on January 7, meaning that if parliament adopts the amendments in time, the new service term will already apply to this year’s draftees.
The reform will not be retroactive — those currently serving will complete the existing two-year term.
Military expert Eduard Arakelian from the Regional Center for Democracy and Security told CivilNet that the initiative could mark a step toward a modern, professional army — but only if it is accompanied by deeper structural changes.
“Reducing the service term makes sense only if the training becomes more intensive and technologically oriented,” Arakelian said. “Eighteen months can be enough to prepare a capable soldier if the focus shifts from formal drills to combat readiness, drone operations, and modern battlefield skills.”
He added that shortening conscription should go hand-in-hand with expanding the number of contract soldiers and ensuring social guarantees for military personnel.
“Without professional sergeants, adequate pay, and housing for troops, this reform risks becoming a symbolic gesture rather than a real modernization effort,” Arakelian noted.
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