On October 18, Federal Minister Klaudia Tanner, the Commandant of the National Defence Academy, Lieutenant General Erich Csitkovits and the Commandant of the Army NCO Academy, Colonel of the General Staff Service Klaus Klingenschmid, as well as other top military officers celebrated 70 years of officer training in the Second Republic in Enns.
“Officer training is an indispensable cornerstone of our armed forces. It not only shapes capable leaders, but also responsible role models for our soldiers,” says Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner. “Thanks to their excellent training, officers are able to make smart decisions in difficult situations and lead their troops successfully. Their commitment and dedication deserve the highest recognition and appreciation. For 70 years in the Second Republic, officer training has been a guarantee for the security and protection of our country.” In 1953, Austria was still divided into four Allied occupation zones, which meant that officer training could not begin at the Theresian Military Academy in Wiener Neustadt. On October 18, 1953, the first candidates arrived for the entrance examination for officer training – at that time – in the B-Gendarmerie. These 33 candidates were commemorated in a military ceremony followed by a performance of the “Great Austrian Tattoo”.
In his speech, the Commandant of the Army NCO Academy, Colonel of the General Staff Service Klaus Klingenschmid, drew a comparison between the early years and the current situation of the Federal Army with the “Reconstruction Plan 2032+”. At the ceremony, Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner, together with the commander of the National Defense Academy, Lieutenant General Erich Csitkovits and two graduates of this first course, unveiled a commemorative plaque in memory of the resumption of officer training at the beginning of the Second Republic. Today, Enns and the Army NCO Academy are responsible for the training, further training and advanced training of the Austrian Armed Forces’ non-commissioned officers to become leaders. The training is carried out in accordance with the respective operational concept of the Austrian Armed Forces according to the principles of adult education and takes into account both professional and social skills. Since 1958, officer training has once again taken place at the Theresian Military Academy in Wiener Neustadt.
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