Ministry of National Defense statement on 'lieutenants': 'Regarding personnel with negligence or responsibility...'

Ministry of National Defense sources have provided information regarding the ongoing investigation into the footage of lieutenants who graduated from the Military Academy that appeared on social media.

The statement included the following expressions:

The foundation of military service is discipline. Discipline consists of rules derived from our national, moral, and professional values, which have been filtered through our thousands of years of glorious history. The Turkish Armed Forces views events within the framework of discipline and carries out procedures within the framework of law and legislation. The investigation initiated regarding the footage that appeared in the public eye following the Military Academy Flag Handover and Graduation Ceremony is ongoing. As we have stated before, the incident in question is being researched and examined with great meticulousness and sensitivity in every aspect. According to the findings to be made as a result of the investigation, necessary actions will be taken against personnel who have intent, fault, negligence, or responsibility within the scope of disciplinary legislation.

MESSAGE ON DISINFORMATION

At a time when our army, which stands out with its superior understanding of discipline, is working tirelessly to ensure the defense and security of our country and our noble nation against all threats and dangers; is carrying out its most intense, comprehensive, and effective activities since our War of Independence; and is raising the bar for stable success and permanent effectiveness in counter-terrorism, border security, and activities carried out at home and abroad; it is important for everyone to be more sensitive and careful not to undermine it; and it is important not to give credence to efforts to take the event out of context and to disinformation.

'OUR TURKISH ARMED FORCES ARE AT THE SERVICE OF THE NATION'

To emphasize once again, our Turkish Armed Forces are at the service of their nation and at their post, in accordance with the Constitution and laws, within the framework of our national, moral, and professional values, guided by Atatürk's principles and reforms as well as reason and science, and in line with the directives of our President and the orders of superiors and commanders. Let no one have any doubt about this.

Furthermore, the oath in question was first added to the directive (MY 56-5 (B) Directive on Diploma and Flag Handover and New Academic Year Opening Ceremonies to be Held at All Levels Affiliated with War Academies, Land, Naval and Air Forces, and the Gendarmerie General Command) on January 29, 1999, and its implementation at graduation ceremonies began. With the amendment made to the directive (National Defense University Ceremony Directive) on March 29, 2023, the graduation oath to be taken at ceremonies took its current form.