On October 18, 2023, Federal Minister Klaudia Tanner, the commander of the State Defense Academy, Lieutenant General Erich Csitkovits and the commander of the Army NCO Academy, Colonel of the General Staff Service Klaus Klingenschmid and other highest military officials 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. Through 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. Officer training has been a guarantee of the security and protection of our country for 70 years in the 2nd Republic,” said Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner.

In 1953, Austria was divided into four Allied occupation zones and so officer training could not begin at the Theresian Military Academy in Wiener Neustadt. On October 18, 1953, the first candidates took the entrance exam for officer training - at that time - in the B-Gendarmerie. These 33 candidates were commemorated in a military ceremony and then with the performance of the “Great Austrian tattoo”.

In his speech, the commander of the Army NCO Academy, Colonel of the General Staff Service Klaus Klingenschmid, drew a comparison to the early years and the current situation of the Federal Army with the 2032+ development plan. At the ceremony, Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner, together with the commander of the State Defense Academy, Lieutenant General Erich Csitkovits and two graduates of this first course, unveiled a memorial 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 education and training of non-commissioned officers in the Austrian Armed Forces to become managers. The training is carried out in accordance with the respective operational concept of the Armed Forces according to the principles of adult education and takes into account not only technical but also social skills. Officer training has been taking place again at the Theresian Military Academy in Wiener Neustadt since 1958.