In order to close the deficiency in numbers of privates and to make the option of a military career more appealing, the Turkish military is now working on implementing the same model used in the United States to draw in voluntary professional soldiers. According to this new system, a career plan will be drafted out for soldiers who join in the fight against terrorism. According to the plan, professional soldiers who take on an active role in the fight against terrorism will be eligible to take an exam which will qualify them to become specialist sergeants. Those who reach the age of 35 will be eligible to train soldiers until they turn 45.

3,000 LIRA SALARY

Significant efforts are being made right now to improve contracted soldiers' personal and social rights. Including reparations for operations, the monthly salary earned by professional soldiers will surpass 3,000 TL. This will in turn ensure that contracted soldiers who serve for seven years will walk away with an increased compensation. The physical criteria required for contracted soldiers who serve in commando status will differ from those serving in support services.

This is a translation of an article originally written by Ceyda Karaaslan.