Armenia begins recruiting and training border guards for Azerbaijan border
Armenia launches border guard recruitment
The Armenian government plans to gradually transfer responsibility for guarding the entire Armenia-Azerbaijan border from the Defense Ministry to the Border Guard Troops of the National Security Service (NSS).
To make that possible, the agency needs additional personnel. The government therefore plans to expand the NSS by introducing the “I Have the Honor“ programme, which the Defense Ministry already runs successfully.
Under the programme, university students sign a contract to undergo military training while completing their studies. After graduation, they perform their military service at the location and under the conditions specified in the contract.
Under the new proposal, participants will first serve as conscripts in the rank of private in Defense Ministry units. They will then transfer to the NSS as commissioned officers.
“The new mechanism will help strengthen the National Security Service, particularly the Border Guard Troops, by recruiting personnel with higher education,” the explanatory note to the draft says.
Under an intergovernmental agreement signed in 1992, the Russian Federal Security Service’s Border Guard Service has been responsible for guarding Armenia’s borders with Turkey and Iran. In recent years, however, Armenia has steadily moved to place the protection of its borders entirely under its own control. In 2024, Russian border guards withdrew from Zvartnots International Airport and from border areas along the frontier with Azerbaijan.
On January 1, 2025, Russian border guards also left the border crossing on the Armenia-Iran frontier. Then, on March 1, Armenia’s National Security Service assumed sole responsibility for guarding the Margara border crossing with Turkey. Since the beginning of 2026, only Armenian border guards have been serving at the Akhurik border crossing on the Armenia-Turkey border.
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Deferring military service during university in exchange for serving as an officer
The “I Have the Honor” programme allows students to defer compulsory military service while at university. In return, they commit to serving later as commissioned officers.
“Students attend university free of charge, with the state covering tuition fees in full at the rate set by the university for the relevant programme.”
After graduating from university and completing the required military training, participants receive the rank of lieutenant and begin contract service.
Officers receive their assignments through a lottery system.
- Those trained as platoon commanders serve for two years and three months.
- Those trained for military medical service serve for four years after graduation, followed by one year of clinical residency.
What other changes does the draft propose?
The legislative package also includes amendments to several laws governing military service, the National Security Service’s Border Guard Troops, and the country’s national security agencies.
In particular, the draft would clearly define the circumstances in which NSS officers may use firearms, special equipment and physical force.
Before using force, officers would have to issue a warning and allow enough time for a person to comply with a lawful order, unless any delay posed an immediate danger. The draft also requires officers to use force proportionately to the level of resistance or threat. They would also have to provide first aid to anyone injured.
If parliament passes the legislative package, border guards will also be able to use video and audio recording devices while carrying out their duties.
The draft would also raise the retirement age for senior NSS officers from 52 to 55.
Armenia launches border guard recruitment
