A senior official from Turkey’s Ministry of National Defense has revealed that 95 percent of staff officers in the Turkish Armed Forces were dismissed in the aftermath of the July 15, 2016 coup attempt due to alleged links with the Gülen movement. The statement sheds new light on the ongoing personnel challenges within the military nearly a decade after the failed uprising.
Lieutenant General Orhan Gürdal, Director General of Personnel, made the remarks during a session of the Turkish Grand National Assembly’s Planning and Budget Commission. He noted that the widespread expulsions of staff-trained officers — those who have completed the rigorous General Staff College program — have left a significant gap in the senior command ranks, especially in the Air and Naval Forces.
“In the Air Force, out of 65 generals, only 17 are staff officers,” Gürdal said. “This year, only one general is eligible for promotion to the rank of lieutenant general. The situation in the Naval Forces is similar.”
The dismissals followed a wide-ranging investigation into members of the Gülen movement, which Turkish authorities classify as a terrorist organization responsible for orchestrating the coup attempt. Tens of thousands of public servants, including military personnel, were removed from their posts in the years following the incident.
To address the current shortage of senior officers with staff training, the Ministry has proposed legislative amendments included in a recently approved omnibus bill. The proposed changes would allow brigadier and major generals who are not staff officers to be promoted to higher ranks based on field performance and operational success. Additionally, the retirement age for force commanders would be increased to 72.
“This is a temporary measure, aimed at responding to a specific need,” Gürdal explained. “Since 2016, many non-staff combat officers serving in operational areas such as Syria have gained significant field experience. We want to create opportunities for those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in these environments.”
Observers note that the changes mark a shift from the traditional emphasis on formal staff training for promotions to top military ranks. While some view this as a practical response to current staffing realities, others have raised concerns about the long-term implications for military professionalism and institutional structure.
The proposal is still subject to further parliamentary debate and legislative approval.
