Armenian servicemen who were previously declared unfit for military service due to severe combat injuries and wounds will be given the opportunity to apply for contract military service, Defense Minister Suren Papikyan announced.

According to Papikyan, the initiative also applies to individuals who were earlier deemed medically unfit but wish to continue serving in the armed forces.

“I would like to inform you that during the election period we adopted an important decision that could have great significance for many of our veterans. As a result of legislative amendments, servicemen who sustained severe injuries and wounds during combat operations and were subsequently recognized as unfit for military service are now being given the opportunity to apply again for contract military service if they have recovered and regained a certain level of functionality.

Of course, there will be exceptions for certain medical conditions that are genuinely incompatible with service, but the majority of our brothers will be able to serve within the Ministry of Defense,” he said, according to Armenpress.

The minister added that the new regulations provide for the final decision to be made by the head of the ministry.

“You can also be confident in the objectivity of the process. We look forward to welcoming all of you under the roof of the Ministry of Defense,” Papikyan said.