Ex-defense minister criticizes unequal pay and evaluation system in Armenian army

Opposition lawmaker Seyran Ohanyan, a former defense minister, has criticized Armenia’s military pay and evaluation system, highlighting disparities between frontline soldiers and higher-ranking officers.

Speaking at parliamentary debates on amendments to the military service law on Thursday, Ohanyan stressed that Armenia’s border defenses have expanded by around 100 km, including the area from Zod to Meghri bordering Azerbaijan. He urged the Ministry of Defense to review its national security strategy and adjust force structures accordingly.

Ohanyan also raised concerns about the inclusion of large numbers of conscripts and reservists in border service, arguing that it undermines discipline within the armed forces. He criticized the current certification system, saying frontline soldiers are required to pass command training exams while receiving lower pay unlike officers in other security structures who have seen automatic salary increases.

“The certification scheme creates unequal conditions. While commanders rightly receive higher pay, their troops, especially those stationed at the border, should also be properly compensated,” Ohanyan said.

Acknowledging the sensitivity of criticizing the army, he stressed that decisions must be grounded in reality. Ohanyan stated that political promises failed to prevent the loss of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) and argued that the development and support of the armed forces require a more practical and strategic approach.