HUMAN FACTOR IS DECISIVE

We are in one of the defensive regions of Artsakh, “The Deer.” Accompanied by the Deputy Commander of the unit, Lt Col Armen Markosyan, we are going to a combat base.

Lt Col Markosyan has been in the armed forces for twenty years. He began his military career at the Monte Melkonian Military College, then graduated from the Vazgen Sargsyan Military University with a specialty in artillery, holding various military posts. He is a participant in the April operations. He doesn’t like to speak about those days; those were painful and bitter days, the loss of fellow servicemen will never be healed, but he proudly emphasizes that our soldiers are more powerful than the specially trained spies of the enemy.

…The military SUV brakes down sharply, we have reached the combat position. It’s a break time; some soldiers are playing chess and checkers. The effective organization of active recreation and recreation of personnel is always in the focus of the command of the military unit. Various events are often organized: quizzes, concerts, sporting events to ease the tension of 24-hour combat duty soldiers …

The mood of the troopers is high, they are happy, they tell funny stories about military life.

“Both our military unit and our combat positions are on the edge of the world. Off to the map, in this difficult area, your service strengthens you every day.  Unitedly, by helping one another, we serve clearly recognizing our role and responsibility in keeping the borders of the homeland untouched,” say the soliders.

ALICE ALAVERDYAN

Photo by AREG VARDANYAN