Army Commander General Joseph Aoun revealed that 68 percent of military personnel have been double-vaccinated against COVID-19 (Credit: Army Magazine)
BEIRUT — Army Commander General Joseph Aoun downplayed rumors of desertions and resignations from the military as conditions for soldiers continue their downward slide. In a speech published by Army Magazine on the army’s website, he claimed “It was the sacrifices of the military that prevented the collapse of Lebanon.”
Here’s what we know:
• Commenting on news of the desertion and resignation of a number of army personnel, Aoun said "rumors amplify the numbers, and a large number of these returned and joined again, after discovering that the guarantees provided by the army are not found in any other job."
• The Lebanese Army has felt the brunt of Lebanon's economic crisis especially hard, and depends heavily on the support of international donors. Conditions for rank-and-file soldiers have deteriorated as the army has tightened its belt, and over summer it ceased feeding meat to its enlisted due to skyrocketing food prices.
• Today soldiers' average pay is about LL1.2 million, or $44 a month, rising to about LL2 million or $73 for ranking officers.
• "The officer's salary in 1992 fell to $27 due to the crisis at the time," he recalled, claiming that leadership is working on measures and actions to alleviate the financial pressures on the army. He claimed some incoming donations face legal and constitutional obstacles.
• According to Aoun, the army has also purchased buses and vans, which he said will be in service soon, to solve the military's transportation problem.
• "The army continues to provide the best medical services despite the deteriorating conditions," he said, noting that "the military hospital has five operation rooms, some of the latest in the Middle East, and the most important blood laboratory.” The general noted that work is currently underway to expand this hospital.
• Aoun also touched on the COVID-19 vaccination process, revealing that 68 percent of army personnel have received two shots.
• Joseph Aoun assured he "will not accept that sedition takes place" in the country, believing that it is only "a few steps away" from happening at a time when Lebanon is paralyzed by multifaceted crises. He also spoke against the return of "militia" and "armed gangs."