Eyes turn to the High Disciplinary Board for lieutenants facing dismissal from the TSK

An investigation was launched into the lieutenants who performed a sword oath and chanted "We are the soldiers of Mustafa Kemal" after the graduation ceremony of the Ministry of National Defense Military Academy on August 30, 2024, following their targeting by pro-government media.

The lieutenants, whose dismissal from the Turkish Armed Forces was requested, were referred to the Ministry of National Defense High Disciplinary Board. On January 19, the lieutenants went to the Land Forces Command to present their oral defenses to the High Disciplinary Board.

Following the lieutenants' presentation of their defense, Ministry of National Defense sources stated, "The High Disciplinary Board's decision will be prepared with its justification within 10 business days following the decision date stipulated in the legal legislation. It will be shared with the public following the preparation and approval of the reasoned decision."

EYES TURN TO THE HIGH DISCIPLINARY BOARD: THE RIGHT TO APPEAL THE DECISION IS OPEN

As of today, the 10-day evaluation period has ended, and eyes have turned to the High Disciplinary Board's decision. A decision is expected regarding whether the lieutenants will be dismissed or allowed to continue their service.

The board is expected to announce its decision today or tomorrow (Friday). If a decision for dismissal is reached, the lieutenants will be able to appeal the decision by applying to the administrative court.

STATEMENT FROM MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE SOURCES REGARDING THE LIEUTENANTS

Regarding questions about when the decision concerning the lieutenants and administrators referred to the High Disciplinary Board will be announced, Ministry of National Defense sources stated, "We had previously reported that the High Disciplinary Board, which convened on January 16, would draft its reasoned decision within 10 business days and submit it for approval. We expect the reasoned decisions of the aforementioned YDK to be completed and submitted for approval by the end of the workday today. The YDK decisions will be shared with the public as soon as possible following the approval process. they replied.

DEFENSES SUBMITTED TO THE YDK

In a process closely followed by the public, the defenses submitted by the lieutenants on January 19 have also become a subject of curiosity. Here are the defenses provided by the lieutenants on January 19...

Lieutenant Ebru Eroğlu, the top graduate of the Military Academy, stated in her defense that she recited the oath as she was ordered throughout the official ceremony. In her defense, Eroğlu said, "I saw my classmates gathering to cross swords, which has become a tradition in the TSK. Meanwhile, while celebrating my graduation with my family, I wanted to join this proud moment with those running there. I ran and joined my friends. First, we shouted 'We are the soldiers of Mustafa Kemal' many times, then we crossed our swords as has become tradition. With the excitement and pride of that moment, as the top graduate, since the official ceremony had ended, I recited the officer's oath, which was last read in 2022, within the field where our families were also present, and my classmates repeated it after me."

'IT UPSETS US TO LOOK FOR SOMETHING BEHIND IT'

Stating, "I would never betray the institution that trained me for 5 years," Eroğlu said the following: 

"I have never been in contact with anyone, and I never will be. I do not want anyone to be harmed by this incident. Constantly implying that there is someone behind this incident and asking questions about it upsets me. We are officers who love our country and nation, who walk in the footsteps of Atatürk as we should, and who carry the spirit of a military cadet. How else could we be? Looking for someone behind this or thinking there is an organization behind it upsets successful officers like us who are well-trained, enlightened, have good ideas about the country's future, and have started our profession with pride. If any of my friends are harmed at the end of the process (such as a dismissal from the armed forces), I definitely do not want to be outside of that group."

'I WORKED TO BE WORTHY OF THE HOMELAND'

Lieutenant İzzet Akarsu, one of the lieutenants facing dismissal from the TSK, stated in his defense, "Inspired by the words 'The value of an army is measured by the value of its officer and commander corps,' I worked to be worthy of my homeland and my nation." Akarsu expressed that he would always follow in the footsteps of Mustafa Kemal.

'A UNIFORM IS NOT A PREREQUISITE FOR SERVING THE HOMELAND'

Lieutenant Gazi Kılıç also emphasized that he is a loyal, Kemalist, and honorable Turkish officer committed to the Turkish Armed Forces, that he would never give up serving his country regardless of the decision, and that neither his fellow soldiers nor anyone else should doubt this. Lieutenant Kılıç stated, "A uniform is not a prerequisite for serving the homeland."

'WHAT IS ETERNAL IS KEMALISM'

In his defense, Lieutenant Deniz Demirtaş stated that his only goal was to be an officer worthy of the Turkish nation, the TSK, and the Republic of Turkey. Noting that what he has experienced is insignificant compared to the commanders in history who paid a price for the homeland, Demirtaş emphasized that individuals are temporary, while what is eternal is Kemalism.

In his defense, Lieutenant Serhat Gündar said that his only concern was the possibility of being unable to repay his debt of service to the Turkish nation, which raised him and deemed him worthy of this uniform and rank.