The day of the Azerbaijani military has been celebrated in the country since 1998. VK correspondent asked military psychologist Azad Isa-zade to tell some words about the history of the Azerbajani army, its traditions and current situation in the military.
How did the history of the Azerbaijani army begin? Why June 26 is marked as the day of national military?
The Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan was established on May 28, 1918. Within a month the country managed to form its own army. On June 26 the first military brigades were formed in Azerbaijan. However, the
history of the national army began even sooner. The first military units were formed in 1917. In December 1917 the Trans-Caucasian Committee ordered the establishment of the Russian, Georgian, Azerbaijani and Armenian army corps.
A festive military parade was held in Baku on June 26. Is it generally necessary to hold such parades?
A military parade is not just a festivity. It's a demonstration of power. The aim of such a demonstration is to show ones' neighbours that one or other country is powerful and ready for a conflict. For instance, military parades are now often held in Moscow. During the last such parade "Topol" rockets were exhibited for the first time. So I think that military parades are useful. However, it's even more important to develop the military itself and not just to show off.
The military budget in Azerbaijan is increasing all the time. Does it have a proper impact on the army?
One should take into consideration that a great part of our territory is occupied by Armenian forces. This means that we have to increase our expenditure on the army. I believe that the fact that our military budget is increasing is the result of a positive tendency.That's very important to develop our army.
Interview by Ramin Naziyev, Baku
