Conscripts make up 65 percent of army

Two out of three members of the Turkish army are soldiers serving the compulsory military service, according to the latest personnel numbers released by the armed forces.

The General Staff revealed statistics about its personnel yesterday, putting the total number at 720,000. According to the figures, the Turkish military has about 465,000 conscripts as well as 365 generals and admirals, including those who remain in prison.

More than 130 active-duty soldiers, including 54 generals and admirals, are behind bars pending trial in separate alleged coup cases.

Meanwhile, military prosecutors have launched a probe into the escape of two-star general Mustafa Bakıcı, a key suspect in a probe into allegations that the General Staff was behind the establishment of anti-government Internet sites, Vatan daily reported.

Officials at the Ankara Central Command, who were responsible for handing the general over to

the judicial authorities, have been reportedly questioned as part of the investigation, Vatan reported yesterday.

An arrest warrant was issued on Aug. 8 for Bakıcı, who faces life imprisonment in the so-called “Internet Memorandum” case, along with 19 other suspects. However, he avoided detention after obtaining a one-week sick leave from the GATA military hospital. He then filed a request for a one-month leave and disappeared after his application was granted.

Even though Bakıcı went missing, the military authorities approved Bakıcı’s retirement application, which his wife submitted on his behalf.