AN EVALUATION OF THE REASONS WHY FORMER SOLDIERS TRANSFERRING FROM TURKISH ARMED FORCES TO OFFICIALSHIP, THEIR VIEW OF SPIRITUALITY AND THE IMPORTANCE OF SPIRITUAL COUNSELING AND GUIDANCE

Authors : Ayse Gül Güler Ünal, Abdulkerim Güler

Pages : 373-394

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Publication Date : 2025-03-28

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This research focuses on soldiers\\\' transition from the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) to civilian employment. It is observed that TAF personnel undergo changes in assignments. Accordingly, the prominent question addressed in study is \\\"For what reasons have soldiers chosen to leave the position of TAF personnel and transition to civil service employment?\\\" .The research aims to examine the reasons behind the personnel loss within the TAF and provide recommendations to address it. At this stage, it is believed that Spiritual Counselling and Guidance (SCG) could be an important factor in keeping TAF personnel together. A historical examination of the Turkish Army reveals that spirituality and religion have been crucial in maintaining unity and motivation among military personnel. Similarly, it is suggested that clergy, who played an important role during the Ottoman period, could positively influence military personnel through the provision of spiritual care. This study aims to investigate the underlying reasons for personnel attrition within the TAF and address the gap identified in the existing literature. Data were collected from 23 exmilitary personnel employed at Sivas Cumhuriyet University using a 16-question structured questionnaire, a spiritual sensitivity scale and a three-question structured interview. According to research findings, the decision to transition from TAF to civil service and the duration of transition were influenced by the age of military personnel, resulting in a shorter transition period. It was observed that the reasons for joining the TAF affect the inclination to transition to civil service. It was noted that individuals seeking psychological counseling and guidance exhibited higher levels of value sensitivity. Participants showed higher levels of community sensitivity than awareness and mystery sensitivity. Findings obtained from interview questions revealed that participants perceived SCG services as supportive and crucial for preventing suicide, alleviating psychological distress, and fostering a stronger sense of duty.
Keywords : Manevi danışmanlık ve rehberlik, Türk Silahlı Kuvvetleri, Maneviyat, Ruh Sağlığı, İntihar.