RA National Security Service plans to replenish border troops through  "Defender of the Fatherland" program

ArmInfo. The "Defender of the Fatherland" program will be implemented in the National Security  Service to transition from mandatory to contract military service. The corresponding decision was made on November 7 during a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Armenia.

The program allows for the possibility of transition to military  service under a contract after completing the first 6 months of  compulsory military service for both privates and officers in  accordance with regulations established by the Government, with a  service term of 5 years. Additionally, a fee is established for them  upon their dismissal from service at the end of the contract or if  they are deemed unfit for health reasons.  These regulations apply  only to military personnel serving within the Ministry of Defense  system of Armenia, and do not extend to military personnel serving in   national security agencies (border troops).

<It should be noted that military personnel who have served in the  Border Troops for at least 6 months, undergone appropriate training  and are familiar with the peculiarities of border service are  transferred to the RA Armed Forces. This process requires a  significant amount of time, while additional time is required to  prepare military personnel who are transferred from the RA Armed  Forces for border service.

In addition, the Border Troops will gradually assume responsibility  for protecting the entire Armenian- Azerbaijani state border from the  Ministry of Defense. This transition will necessitate additional  personnel, which can also be supplemented through the "Defender of  the Fatherland" program, as outlined in the draft presented by the  NSS.