On Saturday, September 28, 2024, 72 professional and 46 militia officers, including 8 women, were ceremoniously accepted into the force at the Theresian Military Academy in Wiener Neustadt. Lieutenant’s Day took place in the presence of Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner. In honor of the new officers, a supporting program offered the army to attack and experience. Military equipment such as the ULAN infantry fighting vehicle, the Leopard 2 main battle tank and the PANDUR personnel carrier were able to be seen up close.
Chancellor Karl Nehammer: “A powerful federal army not only needs military expertise and the best equipment, but also leaders who steadfastly stand behind the values of our defensive democracy. Our officers are role models and make a valuable contribution to the security of our republic and the people of Austria. My thanks go to them, because in times like these, that cannot be taken for granted.”
Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner added: “I would like to congratulate you on your impressive achievements at the military academy in recent years. You have not only demonstrated leadership qualities, but also taken on an important and responsible task. Use your skills wisely and use all your strength for the security of the Republic of Austria and its citizens. The military academy has prepared you well for this and I wish you all the best in your future career as an officer.”
The new officers were trained to become lieutenants in a training course that lasted a total of four years. Career officers also receive university-level training with the bachelor’s degree program in “Military Leadership.” Semesters and internships abroad not only enable you to expand your professional skills, but above all promote intercultural competence. A characteristic that is very important with regard to multinational operations abroad. The militia officers complete the first 12 months of their training as active soldiers in the Austrian Armed Forces. Together with the career officers, they learned the basics for their chosen career. They then returned to their professional lives and also completed their training to become lieutenants in militia exercises within three more years.
As part of a collaboration with the armies of the Western Balkan states, a soldier from Bosnia and Herzegovina and a female soldier from Montenegro also completed their officer training at the Theresian Military Academy this year. These two young officers were happy to be present as guests of their Austrian comrades.
The Theresian Military Academy is the training center and home of the officers of the Austrian Armed Forces. It was founded on December 14, 1751 by Maria Theresa with the mission “Make capable officers and honest men out of them” and is therefore the oldest active military academy in the world dedicated to officer training.
The current tasks of the military academy are: the training of troop officers, the further training of officers and school education with the operation of the Federal Commercial Academy for Leadership and Security. When it comes to troop officer training, you can choose between two courses. Both the technical college bachelor’s degree program “Military Leadership” and the technical college bachelor’s degree program “Military Information and Communication Technology Leadership” are offered.
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