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).

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.