On January 14, 2025, Armenia and the United States signed the Strategic Partnership Charter, marking a significant enhancement in their bilateral relations.

On January 14, 2025, Armenia took a historic step, signing a Strategic Partnership Charter with the United States. For decades, this small South Caucasus nation has walked a delicate line, relying heavily on Moscow for security and support. But this bold agreement signals a decisive shift toward the West, shaking up the regional balance of power.

The new agreement outlines several key areas of cooperation that could reshape Armenia’s future:

1. Strengthening Defense:

Armenia will receive enhanced military training and integrate its systems with Euro-Atlantic defense standards. This move reduces its reliance on Russian military aid, giving Armenia greater autonomy to protect its borders and sovereignty.

2. Advancing Nuclear Energy:

The two nations have agreed to begin talks on a 123 Agreement, enabling peaceful nuclear cooperation. With Armenia’s aging Metsamor nuclear plant nearing its end, this partnership could secure the country’s energy independence.

3. Driving Economic and Democratic Reform:

The U.S. will provide support for Armenia’s economic development and democratic governance, helping stabilize the nation and fostering long-term growth.

Why Now?

Armenia’s pivot isn’t just about seizing new opportunities—it’s about addressing old frustrations. In recent conflicts with Azerbaijan, Russia’s tepid response left Armenia feeling abandoned by its traditional ally. Growing mistrust in Moscow has opened the door for stronger ties with the West. This new partnership with the U.S. is more than a symbolic gesture. It represents Armenia’s determination to chart its own course, even as it navigates its regional challenges.

Russia’s Response

As expected, Moscow isn’t happy. Russian officials have labeled the agreement destabilizing and accused the U.S. of encroaching on their sphere of influence. But here’s the thing: even the Kremlin has acknowledged Armenia’s right to make its own decisions—a subtle nod to the diminishing leverage Russia holds over its former satellite states.

For Washington, this is more than Armenia. The South Caucasus is a strategically critical region, bordering the Middle East and serving as a vital energy corridor. Also, if the US does nothing in Armenia, they will likely fall into the hands of Iran.  Strengthening ties with Armenia is a clear step toward promoting regional stability and countering authoritarian influence. This partnership is a gamble for Armenia. Strengthening ties with the West may alienate traditional allies like Russia while intensifying tensions with Azerbaijan. But Armenia seems ready to take that risk, betting on a future defined by sovereignty and self-determination rather than dependence.

The U.S.-Armenia Strategic Partnership Charter is more than an agreement—it’s a declaration of intent. Armenia is stepping out of Russia’s shadow and into a new era, one where its alliances reflect its aspirations for freedom, stability, and progress. This is a pivotal moment for a small nation with big ambitions. Whether it succeeds or struggles, one thing is certain: Armenia is no longer content to be a pawn in someone else’s game. It’s making its own moves now—and the world is watching.

Chuck and Connie are leading a tour of Armenia in June 2025.  If you'd like to join us to get to know this amazing country, click here.

watch the video about this here:

The U.S. military, long hailed as a cornerstone of global security, is facing a readiness crisis at a time when geopolitical tensions and threats are escalating. From increasing concerns over physical fitness and recruitment shortfalls to strained resources and outdated equipment, the state of the armed forces leaves much to be desired. While adversaries like China and Russia continue to expand and modernize their militaries, the U.S. struggles to address glaring vulnerabilities.

The Fitness Crisis

A recent study revealed a troubling statistic: nearly 70% of American soldiers are either obese or overweight (NY Post, 2023). This poses a serious challenge to operational readiness. The modern battlefield demands soldiers who can perform under physically demanding conditions, yet the rising obesity rates reflect a larger societal trend that has seeped into the armed forces. Fitness standards, critical for combat effectiveness, are now a pressing concern.

Recruitment and Retention Challenges

The military is also facing significant recruitment shortfalls. In fiscal year 2023, the armed services collectively missed their recruitment goals by about 41,000 recruits, a shortfall exacerbated by the shrinking pool of eligible and interested young Americans (archive.ph). Factors such as a strong civilian job market, declining interest in military service, and stricter health and conduct standards have contributed to this crisis. Many young men who traditionally would have been attracted to military service are increasingly deterred, viewing the armed forces as a "grand social experiment" rather than a bastion of discipline and duty. The growing emphasis on diversity initiatives and the inclusion of transgender and gay individuals has sparked debate, with critics arguing that it undermines military cohesion. In fact, the number of transgender and gay individuals in the U.S. military is reportedly enough to fill more than a division, which has further fueled concerns among traditional recruits and veterans.

These recruitment challenges raise serious doubts about the military’s ability to maintain its force structure and meet future operational demands. Without addressing these perceptions and creating a culture that appeals to a broader range of potential recruits, the armed forces risk an even deeper manpower crisis.

Budgetary Constraints and Delays

Defense experts warn that the U.S. military is ill-prepared for a major global conflict, with inadequate stockpiles of weapons and ammunition and a defense industrial base described as “grossly inadequate” (NY Post, 2024). Compounding these challenges are budgetary disputes and delayed appropriations in Congress, which hinder the timely implementation of vital defense programs. The lack of political consensus on defense priorities further weakens the military's ability to respond to emerging threats.

Leadership and Policy Issues

The recent nomination of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense has sparked controversy, highlighting a broader debate over the direction of U.S. military leadership. Critics argue that Hegseth, a Fox News commentator with limited high-level command experience, lacks the credentials necessary for such a critical role (NY Post, 2025). The confirmation process underscores the challenges in aligning military leadership with the strategic demands of the 21st century.

A Call to Action

The dismal state of U.S. military readiness demands immediate attention. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach, including improved fitness standards, revitalized recruitment efforts, streamlined defense budgets, and competent leadership. As global threats continue to rise, from a resurgent Russia to a rapidly militarizing China, the U.S. can no longer afford to ignore the cracks in its foundation. The time to act is now, before readiness slips further and the nation’s ability to respond to crises is irrevocably compromised.