Thousands of soldiers discharged after reduction of compulsory military service

ISTANBUL

Discharged soldiers warmly greet their barrackmates in Ankara's Gen. Eşfref Akıncı barracks, Jan. 1. AA photo

Thousands of soldiers have been discharged from their duty Jan. 1 after the entry into effect of the new regulation decreasing the compulsory military service from 15 months to 12 months.

Soldiers performing their military service across Turkey left their barracks or military posts three months earlier, following a government decree in October. 

Over 70,000 soldiers have benefitted from the early discharge, according to the Defense Ministry. 
Long-term military service is predominantly performed by those who have not a university degree.

Many soldiers shared Jan. 1 their joy after hearing the news that the number of dawns, which refers in military slang to the number of days left before discharge, to drop by 90.

The duration of short term military service, which university students can apply, remained unchanged at six months.

Following the government’s decision, the General Staff requested to apply the regulation as of March 1, 2014.