Another commander in the TSK decides to retire: He had opposed the dismissal of the lieutenants

On January 30, the Ministry of National Defense announced that five lieutenants and three disciplinary officers who participated in the sword-oath ceremony had been dismissed from the TSK. This decision caused controversy within the TSK. Brigadier General Hakan Tutucu, one of the individuals who voted against the dismissal decision, has requested his retirement.

Reactions to the dismissal of the lieutenants in the TSK continue. Tutucu, who cast a dissenting vote against the dismissal of the 5 lieutenants, has requested his retirement from the TSK. Tutucu was among those who voted against the dismissal of the five lieutenants following the sword-oath ceremony.

On August 30, 2024, at the Graduation and Flag Handover Ceremony held at the National Defense University Military Academy, newly graduated lieutenants drew their swords and took an oath. During the ceremony, the slogan "We are the soldiers of Mustafa Kemal" was chanted.

In a statement on November 18, the TSK announced that an investigation had been launched into the lieutenants, stating the following:

"The relevant personnel have been referred to the High Disciplinary Board. The issue is not the text read, but the failure to obey orders. They opened the TSK to debate and damaged its reputation."

Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler also stated in his remarks on the subject that the investigation was not launched due to the slogans chanted, but on the grounds of 'insubordination'. Güler said, 'This is unacceptable for military hierarchy. The Disciplinary Board will make its decision'.

The lieutenants who participated in the sword-drawing ceremony were dismissed from the TSK by the Disciplinary Board. Disciplinary Board member Brigadier General Tutucu voted against the dismissal of the lieutenants.