Armenia to create volunteer military units as 'safeguard' against possible armed attacks

The Armenian Ministry of Defense has elaborated and submitted a draft law on the creation of volunteer military units, citing the need to ensure a strong defense across the country against future possible military actions.

The measure, proposed as an amendment to the law "On Local Government", is available on e-draft.am, an online data base of bills open to public debate.

The document defines "volunteer military units" as groups of civilians united voluntarily to ensure the armed defense of the Republic of Armenia in case of an armed attack against the country (or an immediate threat thereof) or under conditions of military actions.

The bill is aimed at ensuring the country's universal defense, assisting in the planned actions to halt subversive or terrorist acts and intelligence or other special operations by the adversary, and enhancing the activities of the armed forces and other troops, as well as the regular functioning of territorial and local government agencies.

The volunteer military units will be tasked with ensuring a strong defense in sensitive zones along Armenia's state border and the Line of Contact with the adversary, engaging in the armed defense of objects of special significance (or otherwise important objects), as well as the maintenance and defense of the central routes used for the massive mobilization of armed forces and the population. Also civil defense will be among its central functions.

Those volunteering to join the units will be required to sign a contract. Individuals legally bound to compulsory military service, or serving as officers either in the Armed Forces or the penitentiary system or the Compulsory Enforcement Service, as well as convicts or those facing prosecution, will not be eligible for membership in the special squads.