01.07.2025 09:00
The AK Party submitted a bill to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) proposing changes to the Turkish Armed Forces Personnel Law. The proposal increases the number of generals and admirals whose service duration can be extended by the Supreme Military Council (YAŞ) from 36 to 60 annually, and in exceptional cases, to 75. The age limit for full generals and admirals is set at 67, but this period can be extended by the President for one year at a time, up to a maximum age of 72.
AK Party Group Chairman Abdullah Güler submitted the omnibus proposal, which includes the amendments made to the Turkish Armed Forces Personnel Law, to the Presidency of the Grand National Assembly. Güler, who also provided information regarding the law proposal consisting of a total of 22 articles, stated that with the new regulation, the number of generals and admirals whose service period can be extended by the decision of the Supreme Military Council will be increased, and it will be possible for the President to extend the age limit of the force commanders.
72 YEARS FOR COMMANDERS
With the new regulation, the term of office of the force commanders will also be equal to that of the Chief of General Staff. Accordingly, force commanders will also be able to retire at the age of 72. The age limit for four-star generals and admirals appointed to the force commands, whose service period is extended by the Supreme Military Council decision, can be extended up to 72 years in one-year increments. The authority will belong to the President.
MAJOR GENERAL RANK FOR UAVs
In the Army, Navy, and Air Forces, all combat-class generals and admirals will be allowed to be promoted to the ranks of major general and rear admiral, thus enabling combat-class generals and admirals in the Navy and Air Forces to serve in senior command positions in areas such as UAVs, infantry, intelligence, aircraft maintenance, engineering, communication, and air defense.
PROMOTION RANK FOR FIELD COMMANDERS
After the treacherous coup attempt on July 15, a significant number of officers were expelled from the Turkish Armed Forces. Since the number of staff officers trained in war academies is much higher, the number of generals receiving staff training has decreased. Considering the expulsion processes and the time elapsed since the coup attempt, the number of personnel still holding the rank of general will be increased. Additionally, since most of the current generals who have heroically fought across the border recently do not have staff training, the obstacle preventing them from being promoted to major general will also be removed.