At its most vulnerable state, Armenia’s security highly depends not only on its military but also on the participation of trained citizens through specialized centers. Non-governmental organizations like VOMA, which translates to “the art of survival,” contribute to the country’s defense by sending volunteers and trainees to protect Armenia and its people.
VOMA was established in 2014 with the sole purpose of fighting for peace. The center offers realistic and specialized military training that will allow local Armenian and diasporic citizens to gain the right skills to survive and fight, especially when the country is at war. “The Armenian people must be prepared for war, and the only way to improve our country’s security is through education and training,” says Armen Poghosyan, a tactical trainer at VOMA.
According to Poghosyan, the specialized training center boasts a wide range of training where people will learn the use of various weapons and equipment, fighting and protection strategy, first aid, and civil protection. In addition, citizens will have the unique opportunity to gain insight into real military training. With high-intensity physical and tactical training, the trainees will gain individualistic self-defense and teamwork skills.
The training center attracts participants from all regions to participate. Moreover, people apply and participate in VOMA’s activities regardless of their age; applicants range from teenagers to middle-aged citizens.
The participants are divided into groups, and sometimes the number of women tends to exceed in comparison to men. “There is no difference between men and women,” says Poghosyan. “We have to work together to achieve results and protect our country.”
The social perceptions toward the stereotype of women’s exclusion in military training has changed over the years. While many women hesitate to join the army, mainly because they are not required to do so, they opt to participate in VOMA’s activities to live a similar experience. According to Nane Harutyunyan, first aid trainer at VOMA, if people disregard the gender component in the military defense, the Armenian nation and the country’s security will be much stronger. Women’s participation in these training sessions motivates others to join as well.
Apart from women, many applicants are parents and family members of current servicemen and fallen heroes who are willing to participate in the activities for different purposes; some of these include the tenacity to improve the country’s security and defense, to protect their sons and daughters who serve at the border and to fight for their deceased children.
The number of applications for training increases when conflict arises at the border. “After the 2020 Artsakh War, we’ve had more than 2,000 applicants in the Yerevan branch,” says Harutyunyan. In addition, after Azerbaijan launched an attack on Armenia on September 13 and 14, thousands of young and old citizens took part in the training sessions from most regions of Armenia.
VOMA welcomes local citizens and diasporan Armenians who apply as trainees and trainers. According to Harutyunyan, while the activities are solely conducted in Armenian, the diasporan participants prefer to have English and Russian as the language of instruction.
Siroun Taoukdjian, 30, came all the way from New York City to participate in VOMA’s activities and contribute to Armenia’s security. She said she loved the idea of engaging in realistic military training. “It’s extremely important to learn the basic survival and defense skills to protect our country regardless of our gender and age,” says Taoukdjian. “We will not wait for foreign countries to save us.”
During the 10-day training sessions, Taoukdjian was exposed to an overview of what Armenian servicemen have to endure to protect their homeland. She sympathized with the obstacles they face while on duty. After this experience, her commitment and dedication to protecting Armenia are now stronger. “The best decision I made was to come to Armenia,” says Taoukdjian. “It’s hard to be far away from my motherland when it is in danger.”
VOMA plays an important role in border conflicts and war. According to Poghosyan, trainers and some of the trained participants willingly volunteer to help and contribute to Armenia’s defense. The team at VOMA serves as a backup to suppress attacks on various sites. “During the 2020 Artsakh War, more than 200 participants from VOMA fought alongside our soldiers,” says Harutyunyan.
While the state does not fund it, VOMA operates through donations by local Armenians and the diaspora. Just like the number of applications, the frequency of donations increases when Armenia is attacked or at war.
Harutyunyan says that diasporan Armenians fund most donations because it is the most convenient way to help their homeland when it is being attacked. Moreover, many organizations, fundraisers and individuals in Armenia contributed with their donations, especially after the latest conflict in September.
A nation that can be united yet divided will not be able to rely on other countries to protect them; a critical factor that will save Armenia from military aggression is a strong military defense and a civilian defense force.
Armenia needs more organizations like VOMA, alongside advanced facilities and equipment, to improve its security in the long run.
