Erdoğan: “TSK is the Pride of the Nation and the Hearth of the Prophet”
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made harsh statements regarding the discussions regarding the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) and the lieutenant’s oath ceremony at the AK Party Group Meeting. Erdoğan emphasized that the TSK belongs to the nation, not to a party, and stated that discipline is of vital importance for the army. The President, who particularly criticized the CHP’s approach to the issue, described this attitude as “an effort to provoke the nation’s army.”
Discussions on the Lieutenant’s Oath Ceremony
President Erdoğan made harsh criticisms of the CHP, which defended the lieutenant’s pirate oath ceremony. Erdoğan, who said, “Who knows what those who show indiscipline despite the commanders’ instructions will do tomorrow?”, underlined the TSK’s understanding of discipline. Erdoğan, who evaluated approaches that encourage and heroize indiscipline as “unconsciousness”, said, “We will never allow our army, the apple of our nation’s eye, to be worn down and provoked for political purposes.”
“The TSK is the Army of the Nation, Not a Party”
President Erdoğan argued that the CHP has been trying to use the army for its political purposes since the past. Erdoğan, who said, “This army is the army of the nation, not a party,” stated that the TSK is a structure integrated with the faith values of the nation. Erdoğan used the expressions, “Our army, known as the hearth of the Prophet, is the army of heroes who say, ‘If I die, I am a martyr, if I live, I am a veteran.'”
The Importance of Discipline for the TSK
Erdoğan emphasized that discipline is of vital importance in the Turkish Armed Forces. He stated that the army must always be on the alert against threats such as disorder and indiscipline. “The damage to the discipline structure in the Turkish Armed Forces poses a serious threat to the security of both the army and our nation,” said the President, criticizing those who made irresponsible statements on the subject.
Harsh Criticism of the CHP
President Erdoğan criticized the CHP’s support for lieutenants who were indisciplined, and evaluated this approach as “disrespect for the values of the nation.” Erdoğan said, “The greatest supporter of anyone who insults the nation and the values of faith of the nation is the CHP.”
“Our Army is the Source of Pride for Our Nation”
Erdoğan concluded his speech by stating that the Turkish Armed Forces is a source of national pride and represents the entire Turkish nation. Stating that the Turkish Armed Forces act in harmony with both national and religious values as a whole, he said, “This army is the army of heroes who excite the battlefields. It is the guarantee of the honor and security of our nation.”
