Army Day is observed in Armenia every January 28, commemorating the formation of the Armenian Army in 1992, shortly after the country declared independence from the Soviet Union. This day recognizes the Armenian Army, which is the largest branch of the Armed Forces of Armenia, consisting of ground and air forces responsible for land-based operations. The Army has undergone three phases of development, beginning with the outbreak of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in 1988, continuing after independence, and evolving post-conflict. Despite being relatively young, the Armenian Army has participated in several international military missions, including a deployment to Kosovo in 2004 and involvement in the War in Afghanistan. Additionally, over 1,500 Armenian officers have trained in Russia and Greece, and a partnership with the Kansas National Guard was established in 2004 to enhance cooperation in national security and civilian affairs.