In order to increase the attractiveness of contract service in Armenia, the introduction of a new system of transition from conscription to contract service is envisaged, Defense Minister Suren Papikyan said on Monday during the discussion of the bill "On Military Service and Military Status" in the National Assembly at the session of the Standing Committee on Defense and Security of the parliament.

Under the program, privates and officers will be able to ensure the transition to a five-year contract service after six months of compulsory military service. Besides, they will be able to enjoy all the privileges that were previously accepted for the encouragement of contractual service.

"The decision to switch to contractual service can be made at any stage of military service, but not earlier than 6 months after its beginning. After completion of the contract service or in case if the contact service is terminated before the stipulated term due to health condition, the contract servicemen will be given an honorary payment of AMD 5 million, which they can spend at their discretion. And after the mentioned sum is provided, the contract service can be continued," explained the Minister.

Those who joined the contract service will receive a salary and have certain prospects for promotion. For example, in the case of combat duty, a contract serviceman's salary can be up to 380 thousand drams (without tax deduction).

"In addition, contract employees will be subject to certification. If they pass the assessment successfully, they will be paid a bonus in accordance with the amount set for a particular category of service," said the head of the defense ministry.

Along with this, a serviceman who used to refuse to serve under a contract will be sent to regular service. And for a term that was not previously served.

Papikyan also said that in connection with the beginning of the new program, the "This is me" program will be terminated. Only two soldiers are currently serving under this program. Their term of service will end in January 2023.

After a relatively short discussion, the legislative initiative received a positive conclusion of the parliamentary standing committee.