- BIST10012,151-0.94%
- USD49.34+0.24%
- EUR55.21-0.01%
- GOLD4,213.00+0.53%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN83,206+1.78%
- October 13, 202617°
- BIST10012,151-0.94%
- USD49.34+0.24%
- EUR55.21-0.01%
- GOLD4,213.00+0.53%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN83,206+1.78%
- October 13, 202617°
NDU Rector: Officers to Graduate with Drone Skills on Par with Rifle Marksmanship
Erhan Afyoncu explained reforms in military education, noting that officers are now being trained to use drones just as they use rifles.
The National Defense University (MSÜ) released a video clip on its 10th anniversary. The video emphasized that the university’s journey is a national heritage stretching from Metehan to Alparslan, and from Fatih Sultan Mehmet to Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
The post on MSÜ’s social media account said: “Happy 10th anniversary of the National Defense University, which provides our country with qualified officers and non-commissioned officers who meet the needs of our Turkish Armed Forces, respect the national will, and are raised with love for the homeland and nation.”
The video shared that a total of 67,773 students and cadet officers have graduated, including 3,429 guest military personnel from 46 friendly and brotherly countries. The university houses 7 institutes, 3 military academies, 4 non-commissioned officer vocational schools, and a school of foreign languages.
Founded after FETÖ’s coup attempt
MSÜ was established under the Ministry of National Defense on July 31, 2016, following the July 15 coup attempt by the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ). The army, naval, and air force academies, together with the non-commissioned officer vocational schools, were brought under the rectorate.
MSÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Erhan Afyoncu recounted the 10-year process in an article he wrote for AA Briefing. Afyoncu stated that education began on October 31, 2016, with military students from friendly and brotherly countries, 27 days after his appointment as rector.
Military training increased
Pointing out that they had found FETÖ members had reduced many theoretical and practical training components, Afyoncu said, “The duration of applied military training and the hours of theoretical military courses were increased.” Commando training, which was previously not offered at the Land Forces Academy, began to be given during the academic term. Students can now earn their commando badge while still at the academy by successfully completing summer training at the Mountain Commando School.
At the Naval Academy, maritime training with training boats and sailboats was enhanced. Every student goes on a week-long voyage with training boats each semester and receives 2 hours of mandatory sailing training per week. Open-sea training was extended from 20 to 30 days.
At the Air Force Academy, the number of flights during cadet selection was increased from 6 to 13, and solo flight was reintroduced. Incentive flights also resumed.
New era in staff officer training
Previously, the War Colleges under the General Staff were closed and replaced by war institutes. Staff officer training was restructured into two tiers: Headquarters Officer Training (KARSU) and Command Staff Training. Joint Command and Staff Training was established for those who succeeded. Afyoncu stressed that with this system, staff officership ceased to be a privilege and became more widespread.
Drone training becomes mandatory
Prof. Dr. Afyoncu explained that they had adapted the military education system to the new warfare concept, saying, “We planned to graduate our officers and non-commissioned officers in such a way that they can use drones as they would a rifle.” Accordingly, drone training was included as a mandatory 84-hour course. For the first time in Türkiye, a training drone was developed and produced; work continues to establish drone training and repair workshops. A “UAV Technology Associate Degree” program was also launched at NCO schools.
Training on unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) will also begin soon at the Naval Academy and the Naval NCO Vocational School. Moreover, electronic warfare and cyber defense laboratories have been set up in all military academies and NCO vocational schools, and hands-on training has started.
Stay Updated with The Turkiye Times
Subscribe to be informed about special news, developments and announcements. We will keep you informed.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy
