YEREVAN, JANUARY 27, ARMENPRESS. The Republic of Armenia and the Armenian Diaspora mark the 24th anniversary of the Armenian Army on January 28. The formation of the Armenian Army coincides with 1992-1994, when the newly independent Republic of Armenia, along with Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, being in undeclared but de facto war with Azerbaijan, at the same time embarked on the creation of a national army. Declaration of Independence of 1900 however, played a decisive role in the creation of the Armenian army which declared Armenia's independence and opened new legal and practical perspectives for the creation of national army.

As “Armenpress” reports, on January 28, 1992, Armenian government made a historical decision on “Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia” thus legally announcing on the creation of the Armenian Army. Armenian Defense Ministry fulfilled the first draft in the territory of the Republic creating the tendency on filling the army with recruits.

Establishment of the Armenian Army passed through several stages. The first phase lasted from 1988 February until 1992 May. In this period, assuring security of the population of Armenia and Artsakh military became more urgent.

Second stage lasted from 1992 June to 1994 May. In this period, significant work has been carried out in the army on raising combat readiness of troops, strengthening discipline, training of personnel and ensuring progress over army-society relations.

Special regiment of Yerevan was established in September, 1990. By the decision of government of the Republic of Armenia, State Defense Committee was established under the Council of Ministers in 1991.