On Saturday the first conference of the young officers of Armenia took place in the National Opera Theater after Al. Spendaryan, during which the President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan made a speech.
He particularly said the following, “Officers, I am glad to have this opportunity to participate at the First Conference of Young Officers of the Armenian Armed Forces, and I salute you all. I attach the utmost importance to the fact that such a conference is being organized. I hope the conference will be truly efficient and will become a traditional event. Today, I would like to give you some precepts which, I believe, are important particularly for young officers, who are just starting their career: First, the medieval European knights, and in Armenia those were the representatives of military clans and princely dynasties, are the prototypes of the contemporary army officers. The nobility made the core of national armies. There can be no state unless there is such organized force. One might think that in the 21st century such historical parallels are outdated, but it would be a superficial impression. Go through the descriptions of any battle fought by the Armenians in the Middle Ages and you will see that at crucial points it were the sons of nobility who had been defending in the explicit meaning of the word the honor of their family, and ultimately – their motherland. My first precept is: remember that you, young officers, carry the same responsibility on your shoulders and have the same mission – to defend the honor of your paternal home, i.e. of your fatherland. Yes, times and situations change, but you are the carriers of the nobility’s mission, the heirs of military traditions; if you are not yet, you must become soon. Second, that legacy implies certain line of conduct and posture. Our society has almost forgotten that officers are a part of intelligentsia, people with higher education. Third, Officers are the backbone of the state. The state is as strong and upright as its officers’ corps. There is only one way to break any country’s backbone – to crush its officers. It means that you are a part of the intelligentsia which is target number one for the enemy. Thus, you are the fatherland’s first line of defense, and we – the people and the authorities – know that. We know that and are ready to do for you all thinkable and unthinkable. In sense of readiness to carry out the mission – psychologically, physically, and knowledge wise – you are the most capable segment of our society; if you are not yet, you must become soon. Fourth, discipline, courage, excellent physical shape, erudition – these are essential but not yet all qualities which make the character of the Armenian officer complete. And there is also the fifth point – the winner’s mentality. You live among and often serve along with the troops who have won glorious victories in the struggle for Artsakh’s freedom. They know what the winner’s mentality is. Your sacred duty is to take over that mission from the senior generation. And remember that the enemy is afraid of you because it has the example of your fathers and older brothers before their eyes. Today and tomorrow you are the ones who set example; if you are not yet, you must become soon. Officers, in the last war, the Armenian troops dealt blows that crushed each and every stronghold. The might of that blows has implanted seeds of panic and despair. As a result, there are not even lines standing. We have seen on many occasions the backs of the enemy retreating in disorder. Our rounds of fire and volleys glorified freedom of the man and the nation, human and national dignity. Relations in our army – from commanders to soldiers, were classical examples of friendship, mutual assistance and brotherhood-in-arms. We did not succumb either to inexperienced recruits, or to skilled mercenaries, or to the exceeding numbers of the enemy. For us, those were just additional warning signs to be more vigilant. Yes, we have won in a lengthy, excruciating and disproportionate war. Some, by saying “disproportionate war” mean the fact that Azerbaijan had more money, more military equipment and more troops. It is true; but for me it was a “disproportionate war” because the strong was fighting against the weak, and we were the strong. Freedom fighters were fighting against the invaders, and we were the freedom fighters. The just was fighting against the unjust, and we were the epitome of the just. Today, we support peace but if the invaders and the unjust for a moment consider another reckless scheme, I know without a shade of doubt that there will be disproportion again, and once again we will be the strong because the defender of the paternal home and fatherland is invincible and unbeatable. Officers, Now, you are the ones who signify the notion of “We”, and I assure you, it is a great honor and privilege indeed, for all of you. I wish you all great success and safe service. I believe in you, I am proud of you, and let God protect you. Thank you.”