The council, which was restructured in 2018, convenes annually to determine the agenda of the Turkish military and typically deals with promotions, dismissals, and other staffing decisions.

The Supreme Military Council is formed under the chairpersonship of the President, Vice President, Ministers of Justice, Interior, Foreign Affair, Treasury and Finance, National Education, National Defense, Chief of General Staff, and commanders of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The Secretary General of the Council is the Minister of National Defense.

Generally, council meetings are held in the first week of August and expand into three days. The appointments are made to be effective by 30 August (Victory Day).

However, due to failed 15 July coup, the 2016 council meeting was held on 28 July 2016 and completed in a single day. (ILKHA)