Salih Zeki Çolak filled Akar`s position as the new Commander of the Turkish Land Forces. Air Force Commander General Ali Öztürk was made a member of the Supreme Military Council and his position was given to General Abidin Ünal.
Deputy Chief of Staff Yaşar Güler will also continue to serve as General, making him the strongest candidate for Chief of Staff in 2019 after Hulusi Akar.
Aegean Army Commander Galip Mendi was assigned as the new Gendarmerie General Commander in place of the retired Galip Abdullah Atay. 3rd Army Commander Ümit Dündar was appointed as the new Aegean Army Commander.
Navy Commander Admiral Bulent Bostanoğlu`s term of office was extended for one year. Continuing his duty as the Naval Commander with the rank of vice admiral, Veysel Kösele rised in rank to admiral.
The final decision will be made public after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan`s approval.
Akar played a significant role in the operation to relocate the Tomb of Süleyman Shah, which allowed the government to minimize the risk of unplanned involvement in regional clashes. Akar has also been invited by U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno to Washinton in late January 2015. During the visit, Akar observed U.S. military units and institutions and also discussed routine military cooperation, joint training and military exercises. In efforts to prevent and minimize the flow of foreign terrorists as well as to prevent the flow of PKK fighters and ISIS terrorists into Turkey by making use of Turkey`s open-door policy for refugees, Akar established comprehensive strategies and informed government officials at all National Security Council (MGK) meetings.
Hulusi Akar takes over as Turkeys new Chief of General Staff
05 August 2015
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Commander of Turkish Land Forces, Hulusi Akar, was appointed as the new chief of General Staff on Tuesday, on the second day of Turkey`s Supreme Military Council meetings.
