Thoughts about the Armenian army from a former US serviceman

[@CivilNetTV]

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[@infobsocial479]

Great guest! Would like to see him more often on civilnet!

[@VrejHAI]

It's good to see an Armenian take the bold step of relocating to their homeland, especially given their lack of knowledge of the Armenian language. I too have been contemplating that move for a while now.

[@Yolk421]

I want to and I’m not even Armenian!

[@MatthewEdessa]

Perhaps start with a better screen name

[@alexandermartirosyan3406]

"their lack"??! The person is definitely "he" and singular. Is it really necessary to follow that leftist agenda in language?

[@GRAYR-64]

​@@Yolk421 👍✌️✊️🙏🇦🇲

[@robertderanian4356]

@@Yolk421 Come to Armenia and become Armenian.

[@mariyetta2722]

Wishing Armenian military be enhanced with people like your guest.

[@samb.4260]

You didn’t read his book huh

[@JohnSmith-dq7sr]

@@samb.4260 They were still significantly worth more than the Russian peacekeepers, despite all the tower of power, they did.

[@svennienhaus8024]

​@@samb.4260 One of the best books from a soldiers perspective

[@VG-jo2bp]

Best podcast btw. Great Interview. We need Joe Kassabians.

[@TheFinex82]

Great interview! Thank you!

[@AA-yq7qu]

I love the chapters. Great viewability.

[@Back2BackAS]

Amazing interview

[@vikik4714]

Thank you! A great interview! I liked every minute of it. It would be great if you could put Russian subtitles to it. This is fresh and sincere information that comes from an objective professional and concerned citizen. Great questions too!

[@DavidTade]

Russian subtitles? Why not Armenian?

[@alexanderbabajanyan5837]

Excellent comment. And if you can’t take it as a motivation to learn it. Derussification starts with language.

[@AvoFresno]

Dear Emilio, First and foremost, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for finding the right person for the right job. Your diligent efforts have led us to Joe Kassabian, who seems to be an exceptionally knowledgeable person in his field. I am confident that his skills and expertise will contribute significantly to the creation of a professional army and police force in our country. It is evident that Joe Kassabian's vast knowledge will be an asset to Armenia, especially as he is someone who is convinced that there is a lot of work that needs to be done in our country. His dedication and thoughtfulness towards his work are admirable, and I believe that he will make a significant difference in the process of development our nation. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Joe Kassabian for his commitment to his work and for being a valuable asset to our community. People like him, who are willing to go above and beyond, are the ones who make a real difference in the world, and I appreciate them greatly. I wish Joe Kassabian all the happiness and longevity in the world to enjoy Armenia to the fullest. Thank you once again for your efforts in finding such a remarkable person for the job.

[@eds14rb]

Fantastic interview and great viewpoint from Joe to listen to.

[@anatolearakelian8454]

What a great guest. So interesting to hear his story and very reasonable logical analysis of the situation in Armenia!

[@dashadancing]

You cannot compare US army and Armenian Army as far as budget, career, professional growth. But Armenian Army can be custom built for the need of Armenia given the ability of the Armenian government by adopting the most important strategies, skills, planning, training, and structure from small, but effective armies of the world

[@Yolk421]

If small countries like Israel and Singapore can do it, then so can Armenia!

[@Killer-vi4ih]

Look at those countries GDP......

[@Yolk421]

@@Killer-vi4ih yes but they didn’t start successful, they worked on it!

[@271Rainman]

First, you guys should kick putin's army bases out of your country.

[@karinegregorian937]

Everybody should buy Joe’s book!

[@edgar7556]

Good conversation 👌

[@MrVaheG]

Love his podcast, what a legend!

[@levvicky]

100%... COuldnt agree more.. Well said Joe.

[@Zippsterman]

It's fun to finally put a face to the voice for Joe. Keep it coming! Love the show

[@ruebeneskandarian5987]

I wish we had more of Joe Kassabian (American Trained) in Armenia.

[@chasjetty8729]

I’m glad to see someone move closer to heritage and tradition. I love America, but Armenia has things we weren’t able to bring enough of in the diaspora. If I’m lucky and blessed I’ll follow his footsteps.

[@rafaelernestorosabal8734]

Daredevil pertness when talking about the army, even for an Armenian background! Amazing interview!

[@նեյրոարտ]

So how many soldiers do we need in a professional army to keep about 600 km of easters border? Should we consider Armenia-Turkey border as well? Do you consider Armenia demoghrapics? It seems we need everything - conscipt army, professionals, terriorial defence.

[@Murat-rl6sw]

Buddy you need a lot more than professional army against the Turks. Lol 😂

[@նեյրոարտ]

@@Murat-rl6sw you are right. Only professional army is not enough.

[@Sonzoul1]

I have so many questions to Joe. What is he doing right now in Armenia? Is he helping our army with his knowledge and experience. Are your both parents Armenian and are they in USA for several generation? I am curious and love to see more people moving to Armenia. Thank you for the interview.

[@Choosinganameisharddontjudge]

I don't know if he is helping the army itself, but he has been training people with weapons. But mostly he is a historian with a podcast (lions lead by donkey's, big recommendation). As well as a writer

[@09philj]

Joe hosts a history podcast called Lions Led By Donkeys. He has talked a bit about his family on there before and IIRC his grandfather was the one who first left Armenia. Joe does not think he ever explained to the family how or why he did this, but did live in France before moving to the US.

[@antogaming3728]

@@09philj where can I find his podcast? I could not find it on KZbin

[@09philj]

@@antogaming3728 Spotify or Soundcloud.

[@antogaming3728]

@@09philj all I could find was a channel with 200 episodes on Spotify but thanks for the help

[@anatolearakelian8454]

Make a new show with him where he will talk about military reforms

[@artinterhakopian9684]

Great interview. I was in the US Army and served in Iraq and Afghanistan and loved seeing another Armenian Veteran. But, a couple of points. The US is not anywhere as unsafe or unstable as Joe described. There are thousands crossing illegally into the US every day because it is simply better here. The Afghans and Iraqis were never culturally understood by us. I think this may be a bit of a blind spot for Joe too having been born in Michigan and finding himself in Armenia. Seems though he will learn fast since he is immersing himself well into his new country.

[@shahenshahoumian968]

Joe Kassabian, Good job on the interview. Long live NCO core. Armenia needs individual professionals like you. AOC S. Shahoumian USN Retired

[@levonhakopian]

Nice

[@christine_california]

Thank you Joe for your service from me as an American, and as Armenian, thank you for your humorous take on relationship with Russia, hope your voice is heard.

[@garrettlogue4249]

Joe looks exactly how I expected he would.

[@IshkhanAdamyan]

Please translate this to Armenian and promote more,.

[@ashbarian7400]

Very good point....Nikol should not make any military related decisions before consulting this guy....

[@CivilNetTV]

Dear Ishkhan, You can find the armenian version with this link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/on2cdamMorV0jJY

[@dennydritic2628]

very interestong guest and great interview. im grateful for Armeninan youth such as Karabian. i agree with him on many points but also disagree with him that it cant get much worse for Armenia. Russia is our abusive father but the west is our deadbeat dad. if survival is our goal we can never be rid of father russia (as unfortunate as this is).

[@nabasdak]

If Armenia's government cared to fix its army, the first thing it could do is have someone like this man be installed in a position of influence! same can be applied to all positions of government, where incompetency and theives control the country, and certianly diasporans with good intentions are a threat.

[@karinegregorian937]

What a fantastic interview! What a great guy! Watched twice. I think ministry of defence must snatch you. Note to Joe: I wonder if you are involved in political scene in Armenia. I suggest to connect with National-Democratic Alliance. They say exactly the same things.

[@vahhak9989]

THENQ YOU DJO..... 🇦🇲

[@karinegregorian937]

There is another military status for Armenia than nato. Non nato major ally of the United States, same as Japan, South Korea, Australia, Israel

[@goodbonezz1289]

I don’t think ‘we all saw that coming’ is true at all for how Afghanistan fell. What we did by abruptly leaving like we did was nothing short of criminal.

[@Lilymars503]

USA was the last to call the Armenian genocide a genocide, mentioning that legally it will have no consequences, we can't truly think that USA will care about us more than Russia, probably they both care the same, and if azer cooperates with them they will take that side. I would rather azerstan turned into Afghanistan than Armenia... Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq are the legacies of the NATO "liberations"

[@hovhannesmkhitaryan172]

USA does not care about anyone, so do all other countries in the world. Armenia needs to approach other countries and offer them something and something in return. Thats how diplomacy works. Russia at the moment has 0 to offer, thats why there is not much to gain from that relationship. Russia is weak, corrupt and incompetent. Its a global pariah. Any contact with Russia is looked down by other countries. So at the end of the day very little to gain from Russia, and a lot to lose by staying on the same course. Armenia needs a balanced diplomacy, balancing different powers, and engaging with the countries from which it has the most to gain

[@Lilymars503]

@@hovhannesmkhitaryan172 what does Armenia offer for a gain, that is the whole question! There are at least two things I can think of that are expected, Russia out, and be a platform for military invasion of Iran... What will that cost Armenia? We don't have Ukraine's territory neither the human resources...

[@נוגזרטר-אוגנוב]

Russia always was Armenia's bitter enemy.

[@Healthytruth]

Why didn’t we organize a professional army after the first genocide . Every single energy we have need ma to go into the Armenian army …..

[@HopefulInterventions]

Bravo Joe! Unlike Super Sako who only knows to criticize Armenia.

[@ashbarian7400]

This text has been written over two years ago, just reposting now with some adjustments... Любой, кто хоть немного интересуется катастрофой, случившейся в Арцахе и Армении в 2020 году, должен задать всего ТРИ вопроса. Во-первых, что было бы с Алиевым и всей его семьей, если бы Азербайджан НЕ ПОБЕДИЛ во второй арцахской войне. Единственный возможный ответ - Алиев и вся его семья потеряли бы ВСЁ - статус, положение, неограниченные украденные финансовые ресурсы, буквально миллиарды долларов, связи и, скорее всего, собственную жизнь. Я бы сказал больше, разъяренные толпы азербайджанцев повесили бы его и всю его семью в тот самый момент, когда они поняли бы, что война НЕ ВЫИГРАНА. Обратите внимание: я НЕ говорю, что война проиграна, я говорю, что Азербайджан НЕ ВЫИГРАЛ войну. Во-вторых, Алиев очень умный, опытный и политически проницательный человек. Поэтому второй вопрос, напал бы он на Арцах и Армению, если бы не был на сто процентов уверен, что Азербайджан выиграет войну. Единственный возможный ответ - НИКОГДА. Это означает, что у Амении никогда не было ШАНСА не только победить, но и даже сразиться вничью, и все армянские жертвы были напрасны. Третий и закономерный вопрос: что и кто обеспечил победу азербайджанцев? Конечно, Турция, смертельный враг армян, ИСТИННЫЙ и СТРАТЕГИЧЕСКИЙ партнер Азербайджана ВСЕГДА рядом и всегда готов и желает убивать армян, но... Учитывая, что ВСЯ армянская система безопасности была основана на теории/предположении, что Россия является ЕДИНСТВЕННЫМ И ГЛАВНЫМ, стратегическим партнером и защитником Армении, Алиев НИКОГДА не начал бы войну и последующее уничтожение целого поколения армянских воинов без ведома, одобрения и помощи РОССИИ, это было просто НЕВОЗМОЖНО. В пересчете на душу населения, чтобы россияне поняли, что означала катастрофа 2020 года для Армении, русские ДОЛЖНЫ ПОТЕРЯТЬ МИНИМУМ двести пятьдесят тысяч восемнадцати-двадцатилетних мальчиков в Украине. Самое интересное, что победа Армении или, по крайней мере, сохранение сатус-кво было бы в СТРАТЕГИЧЕСКИХ ИНТЕРЕСАХ России, но руководство России предпочло буквально ПРОДАВАТЬ Армению и Арцах как кусок ничего, использованную салфетку, сломанную кресло, как что-то совершенно бесполезное. Итак, задайте себе вопрос еще раз, по чьей вине произошла катастрофа 2020 года, были ли это наши смертельные, вечные враги, турки и азербайджанцы, или наш «стратегический» партнер, которому принадлежит ВСЁ ценное в Армении, энергия, связь, наша бесконечная международная поддержка россии, шахты, транспортные системы и которые обещали гарантировать армянам защиту и шанс на существование в обмен на то, что мы взамен закроем глаза на безнравственность, коррупцию и грабежи, имевшие место в армении за последние двадцать лет под российским влиянием. Итак, неужели странно, что я, как разумный армянин, надеюсь, что день поражения и последующего разрушения, распада этой империи зла и коррупции, России, наступит как можно скорее. Я даже финансирую украинскую армию, как могу, потому что на самом деле скрытым, но истинным врагом армении оказалась россия.

[@hayk-Nahapet]

Գոնե։ թարգմանեիք։ հայերեն

[@CivilNetTV]

Հարգելի Հայկ, շնորհակալ ենք Ձեր հետաքրքրության համար։ Հարցազրույցի հայերեն տարբերակը կարող եք դիտել հետևյալ հղումով՝ kzbin.info/www/bejne/on2cdamMorV0jJY

[@thecoin5394]

He wasn't even dare talking about the involvement of the Turkey, A NATO member, im this conflict 😂😂 .. have NATO too been greenlighted those all attacks? 😂😂

[@albertharoian5471]

They say the right person for the right job. Excellent interview. I suggest Armenia should use such person in a govermental position, specially in armed force.

[@jammpr]

Great!!! Bashing America!!!! You must be so proud!!

[@josephtodd4302]

He’s not wrong tho

[@claudeforche1672]

The guest, Joe, has forgotten the negative implications of US or western military presence in Armenia. Iran and Russia will not allow such militaries on their doorstep. There is no need to rock the boat, given the ultimate objective of the west, in my humble opinion this is dangerous and while I think him moving to Armenia is noble, I sense that his being in Armenia is detrimental and possibly a trojan horse.

[@gevorgvanarmenie9788]

Nor Iran nor Russia are prepared to save Armenia anyway… It’s time to change the road.

[@HM-cy9eq]

Չեմ հասկանում ինչի հայերեն չեք խոսում։ Ազգիս լրատվականների կեսը ռուսախոսեն, կեսը՝ անգլախոս։ Ինչպես կասեր «օղորմածիկ» Խորենացին « Ողբամ զքեզ Հայոց Աշախարհ...»։

[@Sonzoul1]

na hayeren xosel ci imanum. Amerikayume medzatsel.

[@Yolk421]

It’s to attract non-Armenians to Armenia and also to see what is happening over there which is a good thing! But they do need to add Russian and Armenian subtitles awell!

[@HM-cy9eq]

@@Sonzoul1 Ուրեմն թող հեռուստատեսությունները պարտավորվեն և թարգմանեն հայերեն ցանկացած օտարալեզու հաղորդում

[@hovhannesharutiunian1340]

Armenian Cause??? You mean he's another ARF fanatic? Just what Armenia needs..I respect his service record, his move to Armenia, etc., but this doesn;t make him an expert to expound upon much of anything in Armenia. What was his rank in the U.S. military? He has a podcast???? So do millions of people who believe they have something of relevance to say. Please save us from this type of interviews. Or is CivilNet running out of substance?

[@Yolk421]

Love this interview and his insight’s! Just because you don’t like it, doesn’t mean it’s not useful.

[@hovhannesmkhitaryan172]

In which way is he a ARF lunatic? He is very critical of Russia (unlike ARF), and sounds very practical

[@dromedician]

Complaining about him talking about the military because of his rank is exactly proving his point about incompetent, rigid hierarchies

[@radiushadariah9010]

Armenian is not a nation of warriors, this is your problem

[@Healthytruth]

Maybe because Armenians have been falling victim to systematic murder for centuries .

[@ArtinSeropian]

Inger Joe is wrong about Russia, Russia is very strong , much stronger than ppl expect, just look at their economy now. And I think Russia is good for Armenia. Ppl blame about Russia but no one is perfect. Not even Armenia. Who stopped the 44 day war , not the west but Russia. And why can Armenia not be good with both east and west, and dont forget , we have an special connection with the Russians

[@hovhannesmkhitaryan172]

Russia is useless, incompetent and corrupt. They cannot win in Ukraine, but most importantly look at how incompetent they are in fighting. What about their economy? They have the most resources than ANY country in the world, and so? Name one achievement of Russia, one. Russia is terrible for Armenia. Name any country that is an ally of Russia that is doing well, one. Russia was an ally of Russia in the past, those days are gone.

[@ArtinSeropian]

You must be sleepy Joes cousin, arrogance make ppl blind, inform yourself my friend , Russia is winning big time , of course not if u listen to msm from the west. What did the west do how did they become where they are now u think, I tell u , by screwing half of the world.

[@kamranabbasov4432]

What kind of special connection do Russia and Armenia have? Just curious

[@thecoin5394]

​@@kamranabbasov4432what kind of special relation that Armenia and NATO has?

[@thecoin5394]

If we keep doing the same thing? Well, you lost the 2020 war is because you stop doing the same thing 😂

[@lordlex6315]

We must de-russify and de-sovietise the Armenian military and society for Armenia to survive🇦🇲🇦🇲🇦🇲✊🏻✊🏻✊🏻