Turkey's Erdogan appoints new military chief after presidential swearing-in

ANKARA - Turkish Land Forces Commander Yasar Guler was appointed Chief of General Staff under a new presidential decree early Tuesday.

Former Chief of General Staff Hulusi Akar was appointed as Defense Minister with the same decree published in the official gazette.

Former Deputy Chief of General Staff Umit Dundar was named as the new commander of Turkish land forces, while Metin Gurak was appointed as the new deputy chief of general staff by the new decree.

The Turkish president decides on the promotion of top officers in the Turkish Armed Forces, including colonels, brigadier generals, rear admirals, generals and admirals.

The appointment of military officers is typically made on Aug 30, Victory Day, but this date could be changed by the president. The service period for the chief of staff is four years.

A day earlier, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan took the oath of office at parliament, marking the country's switch to a new era with the executive presidential system.