The Armenian National Assembly today, at a second reading, passed a Bright Armenian faction bill increasing age limits for contractual military service.

Deputy Minister of Defense Arman Sargsyan urged MPs to vote in favor of the bill, arguing that the changes were called for following last year’s war in Artsakh.

The maximum age limit set for junior non-commissioned officers is now 53, 55 for junior officers, 58 for senior officers, 58 for lieutenant colonels, and 63 for colonels.

The maximum age for to apply for contractual military service has also been increased from 45 to 50.

The bill also provides deferments to vocational students subject to mandatory military conscription.