Turkey- Military

From International Business Wiki

Turkey-Military Military Changes The society previously run and controlled by a military command has now transitioned to a democracy with a standing army. This is a country that has been under military control for many centuries until recent years. Even though the transition to democracy decreased the necessity for a large army the country still maintains a standing army of 525,000 officers and privates. Much of this is questioned by the people as being excessive but the government has maintained that it is important to retain the country appearance of power. Military turmoil with other countries has given recent support to the possible need of an army. While many aspects of the country have changed many have not such as the requirement of all male citizens between the ages of 20 and 41. The length of service that is required is different for many people. Citizens pursuing degrees of higher education can postpone their military commitment as long as 17 years depending on the level of studies they will be completing. Also the education you possess will determine the length of service ranging from 6 to 18 months.

Changing Gender Relations When military rule was the way of land the majority of Turkish military Officers and soldiers was overwhelming male. This had been true for centuries but has changed recently since the transition to democracy and the infusion of western ideals. Today there are a growing number of females in the armed forces of Turkey, both as ranking officers and privates. Despite the increase in female military enlistment service is still only a requirement for male citizens between the age of 20 and 41. This represents a drastic change in the gender relations of the culture. Turkey was once a male dominated society but now has moved toward equality among the sexes.

Defense Industry The fastest growing and one of the most important industries in Turkey is the ever evolving defense industry. Turkey for decades has held the belief to further its country’s safety and stability it must become self sufficient in terms of production of defense and military equipment. As of 2002 Turkey imported $418 million dollars worth of military equipment and supplies while only exporting $18 million worth, which shows a serious dependence on foreign military support. Also the country in past wars and conflicts had relied on military aid from ally countries such as the US and organizations like NATO. Since the middle of the 1980’s Turkey has created several programs to develop a modern and wide ranged defenses industry. These programs were based largely off the aid provided from other countries that are predominant in the defense industry. Through these programs and aid Turkey has developed its own innovations and equipment to be able to support itself and create equipment of trade value. Today it is one of strongest industries, bringing in substantial revenue and influential partnerships from companies and wealthy countries such as the US and many European Nations. Turkish manufacturing plants have contracts to produce F-16 parts and engines for US planes as well as contracts to develop other aircraft and small artillery for its own use and the sale to friendly countries. These ventures into aircraft manufacturing include partnerships with General Electric and General Dynamics both US based companies. They also have ties with Italian aircraft producer Augusta and Spanish production company CASA. These ventures into the defense industry have blossomed into cutting edge companies producing some of the world’s newest battle field electronics and communication equipment.

References http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/tu-ssm.htm

http://www.nationmaster.com/red/country/tu-turkey/mil-military&b_cite=1&all=1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_history_of_Turkey