Türkiye's Post-2016 Coup Pme Model and Its Challenges: An Insider Account

Since its inception in the early 19th century, the Turkish professional military education system has been subject to the influence of evolving models from the West. The recent overhaul of professional military education has led to establishing a defense university and extensive restructuring. However, despite aiming to serve as an encompassing institution for all officer and NCO schools and staff colleges, the university faces several notable challenges. Firstly, there is a prevailing belief that military education is the exclusive domain of the military, with limited scope for civilian academics, who are often relegated to the role of guest lecturers. This perspective is fervently supported by veteran officers and certain segments of society, necessitating an in-depth examination of the cultural dynamics within the military and broader society. Additionally, the university's progress is impeded by a dearth of civilian professors with specialized knowledge in professional military education. In conclusion, the success of the new professional military education model is contingent upon a significant cultural shift and the broadening of civilians' understanding of military affairs.