Epress.am News from Armenia
On the occasion of the 19th anniversary of Armenia’s armed forces, Epress.am went to the streets and spoke with Yerevan residents. The respondents nearly unanimously mentioned the army’s importance and strength.
For example, Harutyun, not a Yerevan resident but a visitor to the Armenian capital from Georgia, said he had a “very good opinion” of the army.
“Yeah, I’ve heard that it’s Armenian Army Day. The Armenian army is very strong and powerful,” he said. Asked on what basis did he hold the army in such esteem, Harutyun said, “Watching television, I feel that everything is normal.”
According to Vache, who completed his mandatory army service last November, everyone is happy that “our country is defended.”
“Though we’re 19 years old, the army is still newly formed,” he said, noting that he’s pleased with his service. The army, according to the young conscript, also has negative aspects, however, they are few. “The good thing is that they show the good to soldiers, they teach us many effective things.”
In naming the army’s downsides, Vache mentioned longing for family and friends. “It chokes you for two years [the length of conscription], you see little of your relatives.”
“I’ve served in such a way that I haven’t seen violence or anything. That too, let’s say, has to do with the soldier: if you serve smart, it turns out good,” he said, advising boys in the army to obey everything: “There they know, they’ve gone through our service and they tell the truth.”
Vache served in the Kapan reserves military unit. “Thank you to all the officers, soldiers, my friends for being with me for two years… I am thankful to you too,” he said, addressing the Epress.am correspondent.
Unlike Vache, 23-year-old Arman didn’t serve in the army due to health-related reasons, and “the army generally doesn’t interest” him.
Twenty-four-year-old Davit, not wanting to recall his years of service, said “it’s not worth it to say bad things” about the army.
“Well, it’s an army… We all know how it is, but let me not say, ok? It’s not worth it, especially today,” he said.