YEREVAN — In a recent episode of the Noyan Tapan Discussion program, leaders from the American Armenian National Security Institute (ANSI) outlined a comprehensive strategy aimed at bolstering Armenia’s defense capabilities and civilian preparedness through a unique partnership between the Diaspora and the homeland.
Founded by President Mark McLerline and Vice President Haik Apovarian, ANSI is currently conducting its 13th mission to Armenia. This visit marks a significant milestone in their ongoing collaboration with Armenia’s military and educational sectors, including a first-of-its-kind seminar at the Vazgen Sargsyan Military Academy.
The organization’s mission is built upon three critical pillars designed to address both immediate needs and long-term strategic goals. First, ANSI conducts high-level educational initiatives within the military-political circles of both the United States and Armenia to align national security perspectives.
The second pillar focuses on the “Humanitarian Support Brigade” (HSP), which trains Armenian civilians in emergency medicine and disaster response. This training prepares citizens for natural disasters like earthquakes and floods, as well as man-made crises, including potential military incursions.
“Our mission is to ensure that civilians are prepared to assist the emergency services during times of crisis,” explained McLerline during the broadcast.
The third pillar is dedicated to providing direct support to wounded soldiers from the Armenian and Artsakh armies, as well as those who have served in the U.S. military.
The 96-Hour Commitment: Mobilizing the Diaspora
A central component of ANSI’s work is the development of a rapid-response culture among its volunteers. According to Apovarian, the organization has established a system where registered volunteers—both from the Diaspora and non-Armenian “Armenophiles”—are prepared to deploy to Armenia within 96 hours of a national emergency.
This commitment is more than theoretical. During the forced displacement of Armenians from Artsakh in September 2023, ten members of the Humanitarian Support Brigade were already on the ground assisting in refugee camps.
The program highlighted recent intensive training sessions held in Syunik and Goris, where participants practiced rescue operations under military-style conditions. This followed a large-scale training event in Aragats in 2023, which saw 57 volunteers from seven different countries participate.
Addressing concerns about civilian interference in state affairs, the ANSI leadership emphasized that their operations are conducted in total coordination with the Armenian government.
“We don’t do anything here in a vacuum,” McLerline stated. “In each one of those humanitarian support training sessions, we work hand-in-hand with the Department of Emergency Services”. He further clarified that during actual emergencies, the organization operates under the command and leadership of the state’s emergency directors.
Notably, the institute’s work is funded entirely by private contributions from the Diaspora, incurring no cost to the governments of either Armenia or the United States. This self-sustaining model allows for a high degree of agility and long-term planning, reflecting what Apovarian described as a “politically and socially mature” approach to homeland security from the global Armenian community.
As Armenia continues to navigate a complex regional security landscape, the initiatives spearheaded by ANSI and highlighted on Noyan Tapan represent a growing trend of specialized, professional Diaspora engagement that seeks to turn civilian readiness into a cornerstone of national resilience.