FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE MILITARY COLLEGE OPENS ITS DOORS BEFORE GIRLS

Deputy Defense Minister Gabriel Balayan explains

Q: Mr. Balayan, in higher military educational institutions we have had female cadets, moreover, graduates who already hold the positions of platoon commander in different military units. How did you decide to open the doors of the Monte Melkonyan Military College to female students?

A: When I was appointed a member of the Board of Trustees, and the Minister of Defense David Tonoyan was elected Chairman of the Board of Trustees, at the very first session some members of the Board raised that issue. We did some work, that is, the board of trustees instructed the executive director of the foundation to study the conditions first, then the issue of the availability of applicants. Are there girls who want to study? I am pleased to note that during the last session, including the distant ones, we conducted these discussions and were able to realize the vision, and to apply in practice how these courses will be organized, what features we have, we have studied the international experience of such institutions. And finally, the council decided for the first time this  year to admit girls to the Monte Melkonyan Military College.

Q: We deal with adults in higher military educational institutions. In this case, don’t you see any problems with minors here?

A: First of all, we plan to increase discipline, because experience shows that in the presence of female and female commanders, servicemen are more disciplined and restrained. It is the policy of our government to ensure that the involvement of women in the armed forces is strengthened and developed by providing equal conditions for service. It is already regulated by several legislative and sub-legislative acts, and we can state that at least legally we have no other problem in the Armed Forces in that respect. All that remains is to implement it in practice, and our steps are aimed at ensuring the equal rights and responsibilities of women and men enshrined in law.

Q: The last question, Mr. Deputy Minister. Given the current epidemic situation, what measures will be taken during the reception?

A:  We have stated about it several times, and I would like to emphasize that the territory of the military school has been completely disinfected several times every square centimeter, from outside or inside, several times by the relevant service of the Armed Forces.

By Zaven Matevosyan