In this episode of “It Has to Be Said”, Maria Titizian examines the issue of non-combat deaths in Armenia’s Armed Forces. While every military experiences such tragedies, the real question is whether they are treated as unavoidable or as preventable failures that demand accountability, institutional reform and meaningful change. As Armenia rebuilds its military in the aftermath of war and the loss of Artsakh, strengthening the institution is about far more than acquiring new weapons; it also requires transparency, oversight and a commitment to protecting the lives of those who serve.
In this episode:
• Why non-combat deaths occur in every military, and why that’s only part of the story
• How secrecy shaped public attitudes toward military deaths in Armenia
• The role of civil society in demanding accountability and transparency
• Why every non-combat death should lead to institutional learning, not just a criminal investigation
• How command culture, leadership and mental health support are critical to military professionalism
• Why rebuilding Armenia’s Armed Forces requires strengthening institutions as much as military capabilities
