Were the lieutenants who took the sword oath dismissed? Statement from the Ministry of National Defense
The sword oath taken by lieutenants graduating from the Military Academy has sparked long-standing public debate, and a statement has now been issued by the Ministry of National Defense. The Ministry characterized the lieutenants' insistence on reciting the oath text while disregarding the chain of command as a disciplinary issue, emphasizing that attempts are being made to undermine the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK).
12punto
The sword oath ceremony performed by young lieutenants at their graduation from the Military Academy has caused widespread repercussions in Turkey. While debates continue in newspaper columns and on television, a statement has come from the Ministry of National Defense. In the statement, which expressed a reaction to the lieutenants, it was stated that the chain of command had been disregarded.
"AS ATATÜRK SAID..."
In the statement made by the Ministry of National Defense regarding the referral of the lieutenants to disciplinary action, it was said, "The alleged offense is not crossing swords or saying 'We are Mustafa Kemal's soldiers,' but rather engaging in intentional and organized indiscipline despite the warnings of superiors."
The Ministry of National Defense further stated regarding the matter, "As Atatürk said, 'Without discipline, armies cannot be commanded.' Attitudes and behaviors that create a perception of division over our common value, Atatürk, are unacceptable." In the statement, which used the phrase "They disregarded the chain of command and insisted on reciting the oath text repeatedly," it was emphasized that there is an attempt to undermine the TSK.