05.02.2025 09:30
After the official graduation ceremony of the Military Academy, 5 lieutenants who shouted the slogan "We are soldiers of Mustafa Kemal" while crossing swords were expelled from the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK). The decision was made with 5 votes in favor and 4 against, resulting in a narrow margin. In the dissenting opinion written by 4 members, including a major general, it was stated that there was no known order indicating that the oath mentioned in the directive would be read, and that this oath would not be read after the official ceremony.
The Ministry of National Defense (MSB) announced that, following the images that emerged in the public after the Flag Transfer Ceremony and Graduation Ceremony of the Army War School, administrative and disciplinary investigations were initiated, resulting in the imposition of "Separation from the Armed Forces Penalty" on 3 sequential disciplinary officers and 5 lieutenants.
The reasoned decision regarding the 5 lieutenants who were expelled from the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) on the grounds of "Indiscipline" after swearing by saying "We are soldiers of Mustafa Kemal" has emerged. The decision was communicated to the 5 lieutenants and their 3 superiors along with their lawyers.
3-STAR COMMANDER ALSO OPPOSED
According to the news by Cem Yıldırım from Sözcü newspaper, a member of the KKK High Disciplinary Board who voted against the expulsion decision, including a major general, a brigadier general, and 2 colonels, remained opposed. A major general presides over the High Disciplinary Board. The expulsion decision was made with 5 votes against 4 opposing votes, by a narrow margin.
EBRU EROĞLU DETAIL CAUGHT ATTENTION
The decision stated that the lieutenants created controversy around the TSK by "causing division in society and leading to the deterioration of the TSK." It was alleged that Lieutenant Ebru Eroğlu planned to protest the amendment of the oath. The justification stated, "Using the phrase 'We are soldiers of Mustafa Kemal' for purposes other than its intent diminishes the value of the phrase," and added:
A protest behavior that creates a perception that the values within the oath are excluded and may lead to discussions about the TSK will be considered as indiscipline. This action has caused a perception in society that trust in the TSK has been shaken as if the military oath has been abandoned. It is an act that could harm the reputation of the TSK.
OPPOSITION STATEMENT OF 4 MEMBERS EMERGED
In the dissenting opinion written by 4 members, including one major general, it was stated that there was no known order indicating that the oath would not be read after the official ceremony, despite the oath being read as stated in the guidelines. The dissent stated, "The content of the oath does not constitute a violation of the law. The actions of the personnel cannot be considered as attitudes and behaviors that would harm the reputation of the state and the TSK, or as serious crimes or acts of indiscipline, and therefore do not require the penalty of separation from the armed forces. It does not constitute indiscipline of 'engaging in obstructive behavior in service' either." It was noted that accepting otherwise would not be proportional and fair.