At the National Defense University Naval Petty Officer Vocational School in Altınova, Yalova, students undergo comprehensive physical and professional training, as well as drills for emergencies that may occur at sea.
Women are receiving training at the school for the first time this year. After practical exercises aboard military vessels, the students train in running, push-ups, sit-ups and tug-of-war on the sports field. Indoor training includes pull-ups and rope-climbing exercises.
Developing maritime skills
The candidates work on freestyle swimming, endurance and breathing techniques in the pool. The training program also includes cross-country running, triathlon and ceremonial marching.
The female students at the school aim to become the Naval Petty Officer Vocational School's first female petty officers after graduating and beginning their careers. Merve Türkmen, one of the female students, said she was proud to realize her childhood dream and that military service had given her discipline and time-management skills.
Türkmen said she chose the profession because she wanted to serve her country and represent Turkish women, adding that her family had supported her. She said she was one of 24 female students at the school and was training in aircraft maintenance, one of five branches, adding that she would become one of the first female aircraft maintenance petty officers.
Candidates urge others not to give up on their goals
Student Aleyna Başaran said she applied to the school after being inspired by her father, who is a petty officer. Başaran advised women who want to become petty officers to work hard, continue pursuing sports and prioritize their physical development.
Mehmet Kutay Orakçı said they were receiving training in swimming, cross-country running, triathlon and ceremonial marching, and that the training was helping them advance physically and professionally. Orakçı said he had known only basic swimming techniques at first, but had improved his freestyle and breaststroke skills as well as his breathing technique through the training.
Orakçı said he was training on behalf of the Turkish Coast Guard Command and that some students had successfully completed the 2- and 3-kilometer swimming tests. He advised future students to study and not give up on their goals.
Cihangir Doğan said he had chosen the school to serve his country, lead a disciplined life and become a successful petty officer. Emphasizing the importance of carrying out duties on time and to the best of one's ability, Doğan urged candidates to exercise, eat regularly and study.
