Just weeks before the Supreme Military Council (YAŞ) meets to decide on promotions in the ranks, the ruling AKP introduced a bill to amend the Turkish Armed Forces Personnel Law, allowing force commanders to remain in office until age 72 with presidential approval.

The proposal, which cites a personnel shortage following the July 15, 2016 coup attempt, would raise the mandatory retirement age for force commanders from 65 to 67. It would also grant the President authority to extend their service until 72.

Additionally, the amendment would permit officers without staff academy training—who currently can rise only to major general—to be promoted to full general and appointed as force commanders.

If passed before Parliament’s summer recess, the regulation could allow Turkish Naval Forces Commander Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu, 65, to remain in his post beyond his scheduled retirement on August 30—potentially serving up to seven more years.

#Supreme Military Council Turkey #YAŞ Türkiye #Turkish Armed Forces Personnel Law amendment #Türk Silahlı Kuvvetleri Personel Kanunu değişikliği #AKP military promotion bill #Turkish military retirement age #force commanders age limit #age 72 military extension #presidential authority military promotions #staff academy bypass #general promotion without staff college #Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu #Admiral Ercument Tatlioglu #Turkish Naval Forces Commander #coup attempt July 15 2016 #military reform law #Parliament summer recess deadline #Erdoğan military authority #Erdogan military appointments #retirement delay legislation #Turkey #Türkiye