Dismissed, returned by court: Cadets' commander Colonel Alper Topsakal retired

Colonel Alper Topsakal, formerly known as the commander of cadets, has been retired after being reinstated to the Turkish Armed Forces through a court victory. Topsakal was initially dismissed from the military following an investigation that began after a Turkish Military Academy oath ceremony. He had appealed the dismissal and successfully won his case, leading to his return to service.

During the period between his dismissal and reinstatement, Topsakal worked for the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality. In court, he had expressed his deep desire to return to his military career, stating, "I want to return to military service. For the injustice done to me to be rectified. I, who dedicated my life to the homeland, am here with my uniform removed in the end. During those intense duties, I neglected my family; I couldn't even attend my father's funeral. I have been separated from my family for nearly 10 years. I ordered people to die... You asked if I worked. I have to take care of my family. I have no savings."

Topsakal concluded his defense in court with a powerful statement: "If loyalty to the founding principles of the Republic of Turkey and Mustafa Kemal Atatürk tarnishes one's reputation, then let me be cast out, and let the children return." A decorated officer with a Special Forces background, Topsakal served in numerous domestic and cross-border operations, including in Cyprus, Iraq, and Syria. He held various command positions across different units before his recent role as Deputy Commander of the Student Regiment at the Turkish Military Academy in 2024.