Turkish General Staff

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The armed forces of the Republic of Turkey, having great geopolitical and geostrategic importance, comprise the Army, Navy and Air force that are subordinate to the General Staff. The General Command of Gendarmerie and the Coast Guard Command, which operate as the parts of internal security forces in peacetime, are subordinate to the Army and Navy Commands, respectively, in wartime, has both so law enforcement and military functions.

The Chief of the Turkish General Staff is the commander of the armed forces. In wartime, he acts as the Commander in Chief on behalf of the President of Turkey. Commanding the armed forces and establishing the policies and programs related with the preparation for combat of personnel, intelligence, operations, organization, training and logistic services are the responsibilities of the General Staff. Furthermore, the General Staff coordinates the military relations of the Armed Forces with NATO and other friendly nations.

According to protocol, the Chief General Staff, the "J-1", ranks fifth in the state's hierarchy, behind the President of the Republic, the president of the constitutional council, the speaker of the national assembly and the Prime Minister.

[edit] Defense organization

The hierarchy, representation and employment of the armed forces within state organization is regulated by the constitution of Turkey. According to the constitution, the office of Commander in Chief is represented in the spiritual entity of Grand National Assembly. The Chief of General Staff is appointed by the President as Commander of the Armed Forces and reports to Prime Minister. The Council of Ministers is responsible to Grand National Assembly for national security and the preparation of the armed forces to defend the country. However, authority to declare a state of war and send armed forces to foreign countries or allow foreign armed forces to be stationed in Turkey rests with the parliament.

                            Prime Minister
                    ______________|_________________
                   |                                |   
                 Chief   ← (Coordination) →    Minister of 
             General Staff                   National Defense
       ____________|______________           
      |            |              |
    Army          Navy          Air Force
      |            |
 Gendarmerie  Coast Guard

The Chief of the General Staff is responsible to the prime minister and is charged with the overall command and control of the armed forces. He is also responsible for

conducting the military operations effectively and
the operational readiness of the armed forces.

The commanders of the three services (Army, Navy and Air Force) report directly to the Chief of the Turkish General Staff. General Staff and the Ministry of National Defense work in close coordination and cooperation to fulfill their respective responsibilities. The General Command of Gendarmerie and the Coast Guard Command, as a part of the internal security forces, are affiliated with the Ministry of Interior Affairs at peacetime, whereas at war-time, they fall under Army Command and Navy Command, respectively.