Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler: The crime is not to draw swords, but to engage in deliberate organized indiscipline.

Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler answered questions from the press after the budget discussions in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM). Minister Güler stated regarding the young lieutenants who were referred to disciplinary action due to the 'Sword Oath Ceremony' at the Army War College, "The action in question was organized in a group without the permission of the superiors, the press was invited, and it was intended for the action to be known. The chain of command has been deliberately disregarded."

Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler noted the following in his statement:

None of the lieutenants were asked why they drew their swords or why they took the oath. The charge against the lieutenants is not drawing swords, but intentional organized indiscipline. The chain of command has been deliberately disregarded, which is unacceptable for military hierarchy; the Disciplinary Board will make a decision.