Semestre en el extranjero, en Austria
Im Zeitraum von 1. September bis 12. Dezember 2024 absolvierten erstmals Offiziersanwärter aus Spanien ein Auslandssemester an der Militärakademie.
Nachstehend ein Bericht über die Offiziersausbildung in Spanien und die während des Aufenthaltes in Österreich gemachten Erfahrungen.
We - Second-Lieutenants Javier Tejero Prieto and Alejandro López Lecina - are both serving the Spanish Military Academy (Academia General Militar), where we are training and studying to become army officers.
We are currently in our fourth year of studies, in the Combat Engineering branch. Nevertheless, we have been in a pause of the branch studies to attend to the International Semester at the Theresan Military Academy in Wiener Neustadt.
This opportunity allowed us to gain international perspectives on military leadership and operational strategies. Experiencing a different military culture not only expanded our perspectives but also gave us new ways to solve problems, helping us grow into well-rounded military leaders.
Semester Abroad - Activities and Experiences
During the Semester Abroad at the Theresan Military Academy, we had the privilege to attend a variety of courses focusing on leadership, international military operations, and military history. These courses enriched our understanding of different military doctrines and emphasized the importance of multinational cooperation.
Unfortunately, we were unable to participate in field training activities during our stay at the Theresan Military Academy due to scheduling constraints. However, we recognize the immense value these exercises provide in developing practical skills and fostering teamwork. It would have been an incredible opportunity to experience and contribute to the field training alongside Austrian and international cadets. We sincerely hope to have the chance to engage in such activities in the future, as they are an essential component of military education and professional growth.
Off-duty, we immersed ourselves in Austrian culture and traditions. We explored Vienna, attended ophera concerts, and hiked through nearby mountains, which showcased Austria's natural beauty. We also enjoyed tasting traditional Austrian cuisine, including schnitzels and Apfelstrudel, and learning about the country’s rich history through visits to museums and historical sites.
Evaluation of the Semester Abroad
The Semester Abroad at the Theresan Military Academy has been an invaluable experience, both professionally and personally. It offered us the chance to broaden our perspectives, and form connections with future military leaders from other nations. The high-quality education and warm hospitality of the Austrian staff and cadets have left a lasting impression on us. We are confident that the knowledge and experiences gained during this exchange will greatly contribute to our future roles as officers in the Spanish Army.
Academia General Militar
Established in 1882, the Spanish Military Academy is the main institution for training future leaders of the Spanish Army and the Civil Guard. Air Force, Navy, Logistic Branch and Medical Services have their own academies.
Located in Zaragoza, this academy offers a combined education between military training with academic studies. The curriculum includes rigorous physical training, tactical exercises, and theoretical coursework in subjects such as military strategy, law, and history. The cadets in the academy also go through a bachelor's degree. Regardless of major, all cadets graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree with assistance from the Central Defense University and the University of Zaragoza. Even though the academic and physical education, the main propose of this institution is the moral education: comradeship, discipline, leadership, dedication to service, honour, loyalty, and ethical decision-making, are few of the military values cadets are touch.
To become an officer in the Spanish Army, you need dedication to academics and military training. First, candidates have to meet certain requirements, like being a Spanish citizen, finishing high school, and passing entrance exams that test physical fitness, psychological readiness, and academic skills.
Once accepted into the General Military Academy (AGM), about 200 cadets per class go through a tough five-year program that leads to a bachelor's degree and a commission as an officer. The 5th-year is dedicated to branch specific training.
During their time at the academy, officer cadets receive both classroom learning and hands-on experience to prepare them for leading troops on Platoon-level. While the first two years, the have the rank "Cadet". From the 3rd to the 5th-year, they are "Second-Lieutenants". The cadets live under an internal regimen for these five years, but they are allowed to stay outside the academy during vacation periods and on weekends.
After graduating, new officers (ranf: First Lieutenant) are assigned to different Army units, where they continue to grow through more training and real-world missions, serving Spain’s defense and security.
