Whose soldiers would you like us to be?

There are people in this country who put hoods on their heads, take swords in their hands, and say, 'The Ottomans are returning.' Let there be no misunderstanding; I am not talking about Ali Erbaş, who takes a sword in his hand and climbs the pulpit. I am talking about the 'Diriliş Ertuğrul' and 'Payitaht Abdülhamit' series soldiers who watch the shows on television, take plastic swords in their hands, and jump from sofa to sofa. There are those who watch series with axes in their hands. They, too, think they are Ottoman soldiers.

For example, there is the Ak Youth. There is the MHP Youth Branch. Whose soldiers are these nationalist youths? Are they Atatürk's soldiers? Ottoman soldiers? Soldiers of the Ummah?

It is unclear what the outcome of the investigation launched after the lieutenants chanted, "We are the soldiers of Mustafa Kemal," and crossed their swords following the official graduation ceremony at the Military Academy will be, but many sanctions are being discussed, ranging from a reprimand to dismissal.

What we are curious about is how an oath of allegiance to the founder of the Republic of Turkey and the eternal Commander-in-Chief of our army is considered a disciplinary offense. The President of the Republic of Turkey is the head of state and government of the Republic of Turkey. On behalf of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, he represents the supreme command of the Turkish Armed Forces, the Republic of Turkey, and the unity of the Turkish nation.

For instance, if those who graduated first from the Military Academy had chanted among themselves after the oath ceremony that they were "loyal" to the current Commander-in-Chief, that is, the President, would they still have been given a disciplinary penalty?

For example, who do those who feel ashamed of this situation expect these young people to be soldiers of? Should the lieutenants have shouted, "We are the soldiers of the Ummah"? We saw the damage caused to the country by those who were not Atatürk's soldiers but the soldiers of the 'service' (Gülen movement) during the treacherous July 15 coup attempt.

Now, do we want to remove these brilliant young officers who graduated from the army with honors and see them as cashiers in three-letter supermarket chains?

The Ministry of National Defense (MSB) sources announced that the lieutenants who took an oath with swords after the graduation ceremony were referred to the High Disciplinary Board for damaging the reputation of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK).

Well, did the admiral who walked around in a turban and robes not damage the reputation of the Turkish Armed Forces?

It is a shame, do not destroy these children!

God forbid, what would we do if we needed them tomorrow? The country cannot be protected with the strategies of the turbaned admiral or those who watch television series with axes in their hands.

Moreover, we cannot rely on the so-called patriotic uncles we see in street interviews who say, "Let them give the order, I'll be in Gaza in the morning," but then run away when a reporter asks, "We are organizing a bus tomorrow, shall we write your name down?" by saying, "Well, I have rheumatism right now."

Especially when US President Biden, on his way out, has given the green light for Ukraine to strike Russian territory with long-range missiles provided by Washington, and while Russia's threat to use nuclear weapons and scenarios of a third world war are being discussed...

Being Atatürk's soldier is not a political statement. Perhaps because the AKP hears it in the squares, they think it is an opposition slogan, but this is not a slogan. It is actually an oath of eternal allegiance to this country, its founder, and its flag.

So, whose soldiers would you like to protect you?