Author: Bayram Elshadov
Evasion from military service in Armenia is becoming an increasingly notable social phenomenon, causing concern among the authorities. Many young people choose to avoid conscription, often resorting to emigration or legal tricks. This phenomenon is due to both psychological factors and the lack of openness in the army. Hazing continues to be rampant in the Armenian army, suicides occur, military personnel are subjected to violence, while the generals are mired in corruption and abuse of official position. Who would want to serve in such terrible conditions?
Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan was forced to comment on the deteriorating situation in the army, calling for lustration of officials who “excuse” their sons from serving in the army. At the final discussions of the draft budget in parliament, the minister admitted that many citizens convince their sons to renounce Armenian citizenship to avoid military service. He called this a serious problem, adding that there are very painful indicators.
Indeed, the Armenian army today resembles a gloomy joke. While high-profile generals walk the corridors of power with awards for “outstanding achievements”, ordinary soldiers are forced to face the reality that their lives and health are not worth even a glass of water. Apparently,the Armenian Ministry of Defense decided that the best way to prepare young people for service is to create a situation in which every smart person is looking for how to quickly escape from this “luminous” situation.
And what can we say about those unfortunate people who still decided to “pay back their debt to their homeland”? They find themselves in unbearable conditions, where every day begins with humiliation. Therefore, the number of potential draft dodgers in Armenia increases every year. Young people have long realized that it is better to move to more stable and secure countries than to endure arbitrariness and lawlessness in their own country.
Unbearable conditions in the Armenian army – “No sane person will go to serve”
if the situation in the Armenian army were a comedy, many playwrights would avoid it, sence laughing at vomit is simply unethical. Each conscript tries to avoid participating in a tragicomedy, where their roles are pre-written: some are as victims, others as executioners, and only a few manage to remain alive and unharmed after going on stage.
The tendency to “squint” from service also increases social inequality in Armenia. Those with financial resources or connections find ways to avoid serving, while those less well off are forced to serve. This creates a situation in which young people from more privileged backgrounds can actually enjoy themselves carefree and benefit from their material resources. What kind of “equality before the law” can we talk about after this? Moreover, this leads to an even greater decline in morale among conscripts as they realize that not everyone is equal in their obligations to the country. This situation contributes to the flourishing of corruption in the army and other government agencies, when decisions on conscription or release from service are made taking into account the availability of connections or financial resources.
For many Armenians, the army has become a symbol of an absurd farce, where the authorities demonstrate isolation from real problems. In words, politicians talk about the need to improve the situation, but in reality everything ends only in cosmetic changes. The highest ranks of the army regularly announce “reforms,” but for ordinary soldiers they come down to only new slogans and promises. Ordinary conscripts were and remain at the bottom of the army pyramid, where they are destined to become expendable, while the top of the army is awash in money and security.
That is why young Armenians see service not so much as a defense of their country, but as a punishment. And hear the problem is not just hazing or corruption, but a deep gap between ordinary soldiers and the generals. This gap resembles an abyss, where on one side there is an elite with privileges, and on the other there are young people whose fate depends on the arbitrariness of officials. Therefore, people ask a fair question – why should we serve in such an army?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Military Sociology Expert Dr. Anna Grigoryan
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Grigoryan. Thank you for joining us today. The current situation with military conscription in Armenia has gained attention recently. what do you think are the main reasons behind the rising trend of young Armenians evading military service?
Dr. Grigoryan: Thank you for having me. The phenomenon of evasion is complex, but primarily it stems from the combination of psychological factors and the poor state of the Armenian military. Many young people perceive military service as a traumatic experience due to rampant hazing, violence, and even suicides within the ranks. This, understandably, creates an habitat where conscription is seen as something to be avoided at all costs.
Editor: The article mentions that some young Armenians are renouncing their citizenship to escape conscription. Can you explain the implications of such a drastic step?
Dr. Grigoryan: Absolutely. Renouncing citizenship is certainly a serious decision and often reflects a deep disillusionment with the military and broader societal issues.It indicates not just individual disenchantment but a systemic failure to provide a secure and supportive environment for young individuals. Losing one’s citizenship marks a break from national identity, and it highlights an urgent need for reforms in the military and government policies to better support thes young men.
Editor: defense Minister Suren Papikyan has called for the lustration of officials who help their sons avoid service. What role do you think leadership plays in addressing this issue?
Dr. Grigoryan: Leadership plays a critical role in shaping the military culture and public perception. The minister’s call for lustration suggests a desire for accountability, but it must also translate into real structural changes. Without addressing the root causes—such as corruption, the culture of hazing, and overall poor military morale—such reforms might not be effective. Thoughtful, transparent reforms are necessary not just to regain trust but also to encourage participation.
Editor: The article refers to the military as a “gloomy joke.” Could you elaborate on how public perception of the military affects conscription rates?
Dr. Grigoryan: Public perception considerably influences young people’s willingness to serve. If the military is seen as ineffective or unsafe, individuals are less likely to view service as a civic duty. Instead, it becomes a symbol of oppression and abuse, leading to increased evasion. Changing this narrative requires a cultural shift within the military, promoting values of respect, safety, and clarity.
Editor: In your opinion, what steps should the Armenian government take to improve the situation regarding military service?
Dr. Grigoryan: First and foremost, they must tackle the culture of hazing and violence within the armed forces. Implementing complete training programs on mental health and conflict resolution could pave the way for a more respectful and supportive environment. Additionally, improving transparency and accountability among military leaders is crucial, as is actively engaging citizens in discussions about military reforms to rebuild trust and commitment.
Editor: Thank you, Dr.Grigoryan, for your insights. It’s clear that addressing the issues in the Armenian military requires urgent and comprehensive action. Let’s hope that both public and governmental attitudes evolve to create a more supportive military service environment.
Dr. Grigoryan: Thank you for having me. It’s a critical conversation, and I hope that awareness of these issues continues to grow.