Colonel Özlem Karapınar has become the first woman to attain the rank of general in the Turkish Air Force after being promoted to brigadier general under decisions approved by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the Supreme Military Council (YAŞ).
Karapınar's path to becoming the Turkish Air Force's first female general began with a pivotal decision after high school. Although she had secured a place at Ege University's Faculty of Medicine, she chose to join the Turkish Air Force Academy after receiving an invitation, pursuing a career in aviation instead.
Colonel Özlem Karapınar, who was promoted to brigadier general under YAŞ decisions. (AA File Photo)
She served as a staff officer in the Turkish Air Force for many years, holding assignments at various units and headquarters throughout her military career. Her promotion to brigadier general marks a historic milestone as she becomes the first woman to attain the rank of general in the Turkish Air Force.
YAŞ meeting was chaired by President Erdoğan and members of the council (Cabinet ministers and commanders of the Turkish army's branches).
