This is the first post in a series of posts about my stint in the Turkish army. I decided to write some background for those who may not know what this is all about. Let me start off by saying that I am not writing these to toot my own horn, but to educate people about the lessons I took back from my 21 days.
Not only about military life, but about the culture surrounding it – and the impact that such a short chronological amount of time can have on a person’s life. Here it begins…
So how did 6,000 with normal jobs living all over the world end up serving in the Turkish army? They were all male and Turkish citizens. Baring any kind of mental or physical disability every man is required to serve in the Turkish military. We got off lucky, the average stay is 15 months, but if you can prove you’ve been working overseas for 2 years at least…
then pay at least $6,000 (more expensive for people living in Europe than in the States – 2 grand at least)…
After months or years of waiting you might get approved.
Approved for what?
To spend 21 days in Burdur, Turkey, serving your time and fulfilling your mandatory military obligation.
There will be more to come with pictures and stories about showers, shitting bathrooms, and gay people. Thought I did need to lay the foundation – questions? Just ask in the comments…and stay turned every Friday for stories and information from day 1 on.
were there bugs?
😯
You know what, come to think of it – no there weren’t. No mosquitoes or anything; probably too cold at night for that.
I never saw a single bug inside any of the buildings.
We found some snake holes though the snakes were out to lunch. I was surprised not to find any scorpions either, it is the perfect environment for them.
Im going to do my national service in 10 days time i cant speak turkish and have no clues what to expect. Can you give me a heads up on what sort of duties and daily tasks i will be doing and how i might get over the language barrier
Hi Allan,
There was a guy from Detroit there who knew no English and got on fine. The routine is pretty easy to follow. It’s mostly a regiment of waking up, learning to march in order, and some classes on Turkish culture and history. Are you going to the bedenli program or the full 15 months?
If you have any questions please feel free to email me: foxnomad.com/contact
Also, I’d strongly recommend brushing up on a few basic Turkish words, although most people in the shorter program were German Turks with a variety of Turkish levels.
I’m going to the Burdur camp for 21 days. I’ve been brushing up on a few words but not nearly enough to understand instructions or conversations. My cousin was teasing me sayiong i will be running 15 miles in morning then peeling potatoes for the rest of the day. i hope this is not so Perhaps they will give me lessons?
I was there – the things that are expected of you are pretty basic. You can let the officer above you know you don’t speak Turkish and they’ll help you out.
It’s not too difficult. You wake up, clean your boots, make the bed, march around, eat, sleep, classes. It’s not too physically demanding if you’re in any kind of decent shape. It’s like camp, that’s the best way to think about it. You’ll also probably have some Turks who live in the US there in your manga (platoon) who can help you out.
One thing you should definitely do though is bring a bunch of underwear, (black) socks, and undershirts. You’ll need them.
If you’ll be in Turkey for a few days before Burdur ask family (I’m assuming you have some there) to take you to a shop for those items. In most cities there are stores that just sell army stuff and you can find most everything there.
You’ll be taught everything you need to know and will learn along the way, even despite the language barrier. Let me know if you have any questions and I’ll do my best to help.
-Anil
Hi Allan,
Thanks for providing some insight as to what happens over there. I was curious as to some other aspects that you may or may not know. I just cannot seem to get any answers from the consulate. What happens if you do not do your service, can you travel freely on your American passport (for those born in the States)?
Arif, are you a Turkish citizen? If so, then you may be taken to complete your military service while in the country. Except for special circumstances, it’s not an obligation you’ll be able to get out of. If you really do not want to do the military service (4 weeks or 14 months) then you’re safest bet is to relinquish your Turkish citizenship at an embassy in the US. Then you will not be under obligation to complete the service.
I’m not a lawyer but this is my best information. Be sure to check it with the embassy first before doing anything though.
Selam. I will be doing my military duty this summer. Do they let us go out into public. Or party on week-ends? Can you see family at all during the 21 day period?
Thanks!
Merhaba Kemal, you will get a few hours each Sunday afternoon – provided nothing happens to revoke that privilege for your platoon, company, etc. While out you forbidden from drinking alcohol; either way you won’t get to party. If your family is going to visit they should come on a Sunday.
Hello Anil. My boyfriend is doing his millitary service in Burdur, but he is gonna do it for 6 months. I know that the first month is hard, its some kind of training. Is it true that they dont have any day off or even a few hours off in this first month?? and one more question: is there any way of contacting them? like a phone nr that u can call in this first month? thanks a lot !
Hi Maria,
The first month is basic training; mostly how to operate in a military environment and adjust to the schedule etc. Sundays typically they will be given a few hours off – though in the first month contact is restricted. The easiest thing for your boyfriend to do is carry phone cards on him so he can call when possible. You might also be able to send him letters (I got one) so make sure he gets the specific address to let you know.
Hope this helps!
-Anil
thanks a lot! so, he might get a few hours off in the first month as well? do they let them out? i mean can they get to an internet cafe and public phones?
Yes, definitely at least a few hours on Sundays (though it’s a privilege that can be revoked!) During the first month he probably won’t get much (if any) phone or Internet access – typically initiation for military service. After that access will be much easier to come by.
Hi Anil,
Great website. Other than marching what other physical activities are expected of you? I ask because I’m scheduled to go in April, unfortunately I just had unexpected shoulder surgery. I will be in a sling until end of February and than begin physical therapy. My concern is that I may re-injure my shoulder while there doing their exercises. Did you do any pull ups or push ups or any marching with your hands above you head. Any information on exactly the type of exercises you did would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you Arif. The physical activity isn’t much and while I can’t imagine much that will strain your shoulder, on the first day they will ask and record any injuries you might have. They’ll take them into account so it shouldn’t be a problem, though I’d still take a doctor’s note if possible.
Hope this helps but feel free to let me know if you have any questions.
Hi Anil
Great infos. I’m going to the the service in a few days. How about showers and beds. Can you lock your personal stuff?
Hi Murat,
You’ll have an assigned bunk with your platoon and given time for showers (which will vary and might not be daily). Also, you’ll have a small (approx. 1 meter by 35cm) locker – but you need to bring your own lock.
Hi Anil. My boyfriend just started his military service. We only spoke once so far. He has to do 12 months. I was wondering if you could clarify some things. He has a university degree outside of Turkey, in Computer Science. I heard from a friend that her boyfriend had a degree in Computer Science as well, but he only got 6 months. Does it depend on the army how much they give you? From what she told me is that if you have any degree, you can choose between 6 and 12 months. Is this true? I’m a little confused, because my boyfriend made it sound like they gave him 12 months because of his degree. He had put the army off for a while and on his way to the airport or something similar, they caught him and told him he had to go. It was all last minute. Is this another reason to give him 12 months? Thanks in advance!
Hi Indi, things may have changed since when I did military service but as far as I know, for the shortened term the degree must be from a Turkish university. Also, if he did not file the paperwork properly and had trouble at the airport this could very well complicate things for the shortened term.
Hope this helps!
Hello anil … Hope you are fine … Thanks a lot for your words it brought to me a lot of answers… I’m a turkish citizen in lebanon I postponed my service till 38 because I was studing CCE (computer communication engineer ) now I want to join the turkish army I’m 27 years old with no turkish language what so ever !! I want to serve and to stay in service ( I like the army issue ) will they help me ? Will they teach me language and take my situation into consederation ? And if I finish my 12 or 15 months I don’t care , can I apply for commandos or special tactics or any troops in the army ?? Thanks in advance brother
Those around you will help you but it’s not likely you’ll have official translation services. Best to learn a few words before you go and make friends with those in your platoon. There were some people there who only spoke another language but managed, I’m sure you’ll be fine if you give the effort. As for commandos or special forces, I think you’re probably past the age requirements at this point but you can find out all of that information during your service time. Hope this helps!
Thanks anil it helped me … But please please if you can be more specific if you have the correct answer … I asked when I was in mersin 6 months before … They keep the doors open infront of the volunteers till the age 32 that’s why I want to go now to catch up … Don’t know if you can be more specific thanks for your info
I wish I could but I don’t know much more beyond the basic military service; you could try calling the embassy in Lebanon for more information. They can also give you the numbers to the proper military offices. The rules change so best to get the most updated procedures.
Thanks anil … That’s what I did from the first place but they said they can’t offer any help concerning military and that I have to go and ask my self there as I postponed my service till 38 years old … But my aim is to go surve learn the language and live there … Lebanon is shit now I think turkey is much better I’ll contact my relatives there and let them ask for me before I go … Thanks for your positive help 🙂
You’re welcome and best of luck to you Mahmut.
Hi Anil,
Many Thanks for this wonderful site, to be honest you have answered many question that a person could think of, i will be attending my 21 days in 10 days to come on Octber, to be honest feeling mixed of fear and excitment, a have some question i would highly appreciate answering them kindly;
– can we keep our mobile phone with us, if no, is there normal capinate telephone in the camp are they accessable always or we have specific timing or days during the week. if they are avilable do you recall the name of the company in order to buy the cards.
– how is food, is it good or bad, is it enough, do they offer cafeteria in the camp,
– how much boket money do you recommend keeping with us according to your experience.
– training is for how many hours a day, when do we have to wake up and when do we have to go for bed.
– what kind ofpersonal belongings we can keep in the camp and what we cant.
– i have another second passport do you recommend i keep it with me or leave in in Mersin before traveling to burdur.
by the way many thanks for the advice of buying the loucker; just bought one 😉
Hi Fadi, you’re welcome and hope to answer your other questions as well.
-No mobile phones are allowed, though many did sneak them in. There are pay phones and phone cards for sale on the base; the usual TR Telekom ones you can find in Turkey.
-I personally enjoyed the food 🙂 Lots of beans, chicken, rice, bread; typical Turkish home dishes type of things.
-Money? Hmmm, you don’t really need much, 500 lira is probably the maximum you could possibly spend there.
-Training is all day, you wake up around 5am and go to bed 10-11pm.
-Belongings, not much. Books, cards, and those type of things but be sure the books aren’t of any ‘controversial’ nature. Also, if you take medication you must have a prescription with it.
-You may need the second passport when filling out paperwork (don’t remember completely) but it won’t hurt to bring it.
Hope this all helps and you have a good time! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Many Thanks Anil, your answers really made my life much easier, i have another one question which is quite sily; what about bathrooms, are they accessable all the day, are they clean or not quite? are they wetren or Turkish bathroom tybe?
my wife say hi and thanks for you and she has some questions that she appreciate your kind answers to them;
– dress aside from lots of underwares and soks, do u recommend anything else. soprts T-shirts
– disgarding is it directly after the finalzing the 21 days, how long it takes. i dont know how to write or read in turkish “even few words to communicate” will they assist me,
– the location of the cam is it far from city centre. do u remember what is the best way to go to there.
i really appreciate your kindness and your support in answering these inquires…
Hi Fadi, glad they helped 🙂 As for the bathrooms, you’ll have to find time during the breaks you’re allotted throughout the day. They’re cleaned daily as well; ala-Turka style.
Bring lots of green t-shirts as you won’t have time to wash them. Make sure you get them from a specialized army/’askerlik’ store so you get the right shade, otherwise you won’t be able to wear them. As far as after the 21 days – you’ll be let out on the 22nd day sometime before noon usually. You’ll have some help with the Turkish, but chances are you’ll find some in your 30 person platoon (who are with you the entire 21 days) who speak English. They can be of a big help, do try to find someone as you’re waiting in line before entering the first day upon entry to the base.
For the base in Burdur – are you driving or taking a bus? The base it huge are right in the middle of the town so you can’t miss it either way. If you’re going by bus, the station is a quick taxi ride as I recall away. Otherwise, you’ll see *lots* of people lining up, you can’t miss it once in town. Burdur is very small.
Do let me know if you have other questions!
Dear Anil,
you are really wonderful and a very helpful person.. many Thanks..
You’re welcome 🙂
hi fadi where do you live? i am leaving in 3 days for Burdur as well.
Hi Again Anil,
as usual.. i am bothering you :-.
5 days to come and i wil become a soldier…. so excited and so anxcous also..
have few questions if u dont mind..
– do you remember check in is until what time… i will arriave to burdur 1st of October at 11 AM. do you recommend i have something to eat and then go to the base or go directly to the base…
– do i need to take a hair cut before entering the base or they will habdel it..
– i do also have some sugger in blood problem so i usually go to bathroom few time at night.. are we allowed to enter the bathroom during night or no,
– what type of soprts and excersicies did you go through, jogining, body building..
– are we trained on wapons or only sports
– did you gain weight or lose weight during your military service..
– aside from the documents provided by the embassy do we need any other documents for admission to the base
thanks again for your assistance.
i to am leaving for turkish military in 3 days any last bit of advice, where are you located and when will you arrive?
Hi Fadi, it’s never a bother 🙂
I’m not sure what time check in is until; though I recall arriving around 11am myself. It should be in your documentation but before noon is a good bet. There will be long lines as it is.
Cutting your hair is a good idea – if it’s longer though, they’ll just cut it for you. You may save some style by doing it beforehand 😉 In the evening you can use the bathroom, it’s open. Though I would make sure to let your ‘manga’ (platoon) leader know as well.
As for exercise, it’s a lot of time on your feet and walking around. Not excessively strenuous for most. Also, there is some gun training toward the end.
I lost weight, although I ate 2-3 plates at each meal 🙂 Some gained, but those were the guys who paid for the food from the canteen; candy and junk food. As for admission, double check the documentation you need. There should be a clear check list – you won’t need anything in addition to that as they should have your registration information when you arrive.
Many Thanks Anil…
wish me luck…
dear emre,
i am leaving to Turkey this Friday, i will be driving to Mersin from Syria, then at 12 AM on Saturday i will be taking the bus to Burdur “i have been told it is a 10 hours way”
what about you, from where are you coming and what are your plans…
take care and best regards
he has left but we haven’t heard from him, don’t know if there will be communcaition available? most of these 6000+ people are leaving businesses or professional jobs and it is difficult to go without the communcaiton of emails, text cell phones etc. what was were the opportunities for calling or emailing?
Thanks
You’ll have some phone access throughout the week and Internet very occasionally.
Thanks is this service safe will there be some free time or is this service keep you going from mornign til night. I really have no idea of what is in for and nor did he. He has been out of Turkey for 15 years but was 40 this year so he had to go.
any information you can help with owuld be appreiacted.
thanks!
It’s safe and there is the occasional free time throughout the day but not much. A lot of marching around, 3 meals, 5am-10pm most days. The closest thing I can compare it too is a camp.
Hope that helps a bit but let me know if you have other questions.
Hello anil its mahmut , I’m turksih and lebanease as well I’m 27 years old and I have a dergree in computers called CCE and MCSE I talk arabic english french and some dutch but not turkish what so ever I went to mersin to my relatives I liked it so much but I must complete my service if I want to stay there and find a work , for me I don’t care if I have to serve for 15 months its ok that way I learn turkish language as well , so the main idea is when I finish my military service I want to stay in the military life as I like it .. Any advise … I’m not happy in lebanon and not happy in my work ( low income ) and a lot of payments that’s why I want to change my life style … Will they take me or I have passed my age ? Thanks in advance for your help !
I’m not sure if you’ve passed any age requirements but you could perhaps go into command. You’ll be able to find out all of the details when you do your service.
Hi
I registered my Son as a Turkish citizen he is 20 years old and I’m in the process of sending him to Turkey so he can serve in the Military for 15 months , since he dos not speak any Turkish dos anyone know if he will be stationed in a special location or will serve with out consideration of the Language barrier.
In Case you wonder , he will be better of going to 15 Months of Military in Turkey , then spending one more day here.
No, there won’t be any translation services as far as I know. Is he working outside of the country (I assume?) He may have an easier time doing the shorter 1 month term as there will be many more English speakers there.
Hi Anil
Thank you for the respond , No he will be going for 15 Months and he is located and borne in the USA never went to Turkey before so to go to the Military it will be his first visit to Turkey, I was just wondering how they will handle some one like this in the military service, Im sure he is not the only one
Thank you
You’re welcome. I’m sure he will also quickly adjust – it’s a fairly regimented routine which will makes things much easier.