Theresian Military Academy

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For other schools known as the Theresian Academy, see Theresianum (disambiguation).

Theresian Military Academy
AEIOU Theresianische Militärakademie.svg
MottoA.E.I.O.U.
TypeMilitary academy
Established14 December 1751
CommandantMajor General Karl Pronhagl
Location
Wiener Neustadt
,
Austria
Websitewww.milak.at

The Theresian Military Academy (German: Theresianische Militärakademie, TherMilAk) is a military academy in Austria, where the Austrian Armed Forces train their officers. Founded in 1751, the academy is located in the castle of Wiener Neustadt in Lower Austria.

History[]

The Theresian Military Academy (known as the Theresianum) is one of the oldest military academies in the world (the oldest is the Military Academy of Modena).[1] It was founded on 14 December 1751 by Maria Theresa of Austria, who gave the first commander of the Academy, Field marshal Leopold Joseph von Daun (Count Daun), the order Mach er mir tüchtige Officier und rechtschaffene Männer daraus ("Make me hard working officers and honest men").

Per year, the Academy accepted 100 noblemen and 100 commoners to start their education there.[2] In 1771, Fieldmarshal Lieutenant Hannig published the official studying plan, and in 1775, Maria Theresa published the Academy Rules. At this time, it took 11 years to complete the Academy, but step by step, it was shortened to 3 years.

Main building of the Theresian Military Academy

The Styrian Prince Erzherzog Johann (Archduke John) was the principal headmaster of the academy for 44 years (1805–1849).[citation needed]

During the First Republic (1918–1938), the academy was located in Enns until 1934, and then again in the castle of Wiener Neustadt. A very remarkable event in the time between Austrofascism and the Anschluss (Occupation of Austria by Nazi Germany) was that Lieutenant General Rudolf Towarek (Commander of the TherMilAk between 1933 and 1938). He had the guard deployed with the bayonet attached and thus denied the Wehrmacht access to the castle for several days. This was the only military resistance made by Austrians against the occupation by Nazi Germany. GenLt Towarek wasn't punished for this action; he was, however, retired while retaining the right to wear the Austrian uniform after his retirement, which was highly unusual in those days.[3]

After the Anschluss, the Wehrmacht installed a war school for non-commissioned officers at the castle of Wiener Neustadt. The first commander of this school was Erwin Rommel. At this time, the Germans erected a new building next to the castle, which is now known as Fort Daun, in which the Military High School of Austria is located.[4]

After World War II and the Austrian State Treaty which was signed in 1955, the demolished castle was rebuilt. In 1958, the military academy was again located in Wiener Neustadt after a short intermezzo (1955–1958) in Enns.[5]

On the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the death of the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I, the direct ancestor of Maria Theresa, the so-called "last knight" and founder of a modern war system, a big celebration took place in the church of the military academy in 2019. Karl von Habsburg, the current head of the House of Habsburg, represented the imperial dynasty.[6]

The TherMilAk today[]

The current Commanding Officer - CO (German: Kommandant - Kdt) of the TherMilAk is Generalmajor Mag. Karl Pronhagl.

From 1997–2008, the TherMilAk was a 4-year college which could also be attended by civilian students and finished with a master's degree in military leadership. In 2008, it was changed into a 3-year curriculum, graduating with a bachelor's degree. In 2003, the first four women completed the academy.[7] Since 1959, more than 3,600 young officers have been educated at the Theresian Military Academy.[8] Since 2000, each of the incoming cadet classes have been given the title of Kaiserjäger (Imperial Rifles), to honor the memory of the brave national light infantrymen who served Austria with distinction during the Imperial period.

TherMilAk commanders (selection)[]

Below there is a selection of the commanders of the TherMilAk.

name rank CO remark
Feldmarschall-Leutnant 1917–1919 last imperial (kaiserlicher) commander and adge-group godfather of the 2010 graduates
Generalmajor 1934–1938
Erwin Rommel[9] Oberst 1938–1939 22 June 1942: appointed to Generalfeldmarschall

Second Republic[]

name rank CO remark
Major 1955–1956 35th CO
Oberst 1957–1959 Oberst dhmD; 36th CO
Generalmajor 1959–1971 37th CO
Generalmajor 1972–1980 38th CO
Divisionär 1980–1984 39th CO
Divisionär 1985–1999 40th CO
Divisionär 1999–2003 41st CO
Generalmajor 2003–2013 42nd CO
Brigadier 2013–2016 43rd CO
Generalmajor 2016–today 44rd CO

See also[]

Notes and references[]

  1. ^ Fitzal, Karl-Heinz [Editor] : 250 Jahre Offiziersausbildung  : Wr. Neustadt  : Theresan. Militärakad. , 2002
  2. ^ http://www.bmlv.gv.at/karriere/offizier/geschichte.shtml , Feb. 2009
  3. ^ Peter Barthou "1938: Nicht alle schworen den Treueid" In: Truppendienst 3/2008.
  4. ^ Allmayer-Beck, Johann Christoph : Militärakademie - Kriegsschule - Fahnenjunkerschule  : Wiener Neustadt 1938–1945 : Bundesministerium für Landesverteidigung , 2006
  5. ^ http://www.bmlv.gv.at/karriere/offizier/geschichte.shtml , Feb. 2009
  6. ^ Austrian Theresian Military Academy: Maximilian I was commemorated on the 500th anniversary of his death with a magnificent requiem in St. George's Cathedral.
  7. ^ http://www.bmlv.gv.at/karriere/offizier/geschichte.shtml , Feb. 2009
  8. ^ http://www.tr-wiking.at/haupt.php?seite=geschichte_milak.htm Feb.2009
  9. ^ Siehe zu diesem Abschnitt: Ralf Georg Reuth: Erwin Rommel. Des Führers General. Piper, München 1987, ISBN 3-492-15222-8, S. 14–27; David Fraser: Rommel. Die Biographie. Siedler, Berlin 1995, ISBN 3-88680-559-X, S. 86–115; Maurice Philip Remy: Mythos Rommel. List, München 2002, ISBN 3-471-78572-8, S. 31–43; Das Deutsche Heer, Gliederung, Standorte, Stellenbesetzung am 3. Januar 1939, Bad Nauheim 1953.

External links[]

Coordinates: 47°48′35″N 16°14′44″E / 47.80972°N 16.24556°E / 47.80972; 16.24556

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