Major Changes in the Command Structure of the Turkish Armed Forces Following the Supreme Military Council Meeting

Major Changes in the Command Structure of the Turkish Armed Forces Following the Supreme Military Council Meeting

Turkey’s annual Supreme Military Council (YAŞ) meeting concluded yesterday in Ankara with the participation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and high-ranking military and security officials. This year’s meeting, which addresses key issues concerning the Armed Forces, resulted in significant decisions regarding structural changes to the Turkish military’s command hierarchy.

Prior to the meeting, President Erdoğan, accompanied by a delegation, visited Anıtkabir (Atatürk’s mausoleum). In his message in the memorial book, he emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s defense capabilities. This symbolic visit, conducted before every council meeting, underscores the importance of YAŞ in Turkey’s broader policies.

According to the final decisions officially announced today, extensive changes were made to the upper echelons of the Turkish Armed Forces’ command structure. The most notable change was the removal of General Metin Gürak from his position as Chief of the General Staff after two years in office. Gürak, who previously served as Commander of the Land Forces, will reportedly retire due to “position shortages,” as cited by official sources.

His successor is General Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, who previously served as Commander of the Turkish Land Forces. Bayraktaroğlu, who has experience commanding cross-border operations, will now be the highest-ranking military official in Turkey. Following this appointment, General Metin Tokel, former Commander of the First Army, was named the new Land Forces Commander.

For the Navy and Air Force, it was decided to extend the terms of the current commanders by one year. Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu will remain as Naval Forces Commander, and General Ziya Cemal Kadıoğlu will continue as Air Force Commander. This decision indicates continuity in current policies for these two critical branches of the Turkish Armed Forces.

Significant changes were also made at the mid-level command structure. According to official data, 45 senior officers—two due to reaching retirement age and 43 due to “position shortages”—will be discharged. In contrast, 93 other officers, including 32 generals/admirals and 61 colonels, will be promoted to higher ranks.

These changes come as Turkey continues its military operations in northern Syria and Iraq in recent months. Military analysts suggest that this command restructuring could be linked to Ankara’s future plans in the region. However, Turkish officials emphasize that these changes are part of the routine process of updating the Armed Forces’ structure.

The full details of the changes and the names of all promoted or retired officers have been published on the official website of the Turkish Presidency. According to the report, the number of generals and admirals in Turkey is expected to rise to 332 by the end of this summer, reflecting an approximately 5% increase compared to last year.