Become a Military Officer, Receive Housing and a High Salary: Defense Minister Suren Papikyan’s Message to Young People

YEREVAN — In recent years, the Armenian government has made significant efforts to expand the opportunities of the Vazgen Sargsyan Military Academy and encourage more people to choose a military career.

Armenia’s Defense Minister Suren Papikyan spoke about these efforts in a video posted on his Facebook page, emphasizing that the goal is to strengthen the army by recruiting competent officers, increasing the number of personnel, and enhancing both competition and the overall attractiveness of the profession.

“This week, the National Assembly adopted another law that allows graduates of the Vazgen Sargsyan Military Academy to be considered as having passed the required examinations immediately upon graduation and to receive a higher salary, since additional payments will be included,” Papikyan said.

According to the minister, officers graduating with excellent academic performance can receive a salary ranging from 620,000 to 750,000 drams starting from the day of their appointment.

“In other words, after four years of education, you can begin earning a significantly higher salary,” he said.

Papikyan also noted that, beginning in 2026, newly graduated officers will be provided with housing upon completion of their studies.

“That housing is worth approximately 35 million drams, and it can be purchased either in Yerevan or in other parts of the country,” he explained.

“My proposal is simple: become a military officer, receive housing worth 35 million drams, and earn a salary of 620,000 to 750,000 drams. I believe there is no other profession in Armenia today that can offer such an opportunity,” the defense minister said.