How to become a career officer?
The vocational officer training consists of three sections.
The first section: "Kaderanwärterausbildung Teil 1" (NCO training level 1). This training course begins in September and lasts five months. It is conducted by various units of the Austrian Armed Forces throughout Austria. In the first part of the training programme for prospective cadre members, above all the basics of "being a soldier" are taught. However, the participants are also introduced to the role of a military leader by being assigned simple leadership tasks. At the beginning of the 5th month of the training, soldiers will be promoted to "Gefreiter" (Private).
The second part: "Kaderanwärterausbildung Teil 2" (NCO training level 2). This training course lasts seven months. Officer Canditates will be trained to become of infantry squad leader. They will learn how to lead this squad in action and how to handle various weapons such as the machine gun, the grenade launcher or the sniper rifle safely. In addition, the physical and mental performance is increased. Upon passing the final examination, they are promoted to the position of a "Zugsführer" (Corporal).
The third section - the basic officer training - takes place at the Theresan Military Academy. Participants wear the rank of "Fähnrich" (Ensign) and are referred to as Officer Cadets . At the end of the training, they are awarded the academic degree "Bachelor of Arts in Military Leadership" and are promoted to "Leutnant" (2nd Lieutenant).
Basic Officer Training for Career officers
The basic officer training provides the knowledge that a military officer needs to fulfil his or her duties. The development of military expertise, combined with high personal, communication and organisational skills, provides the best possible preparation for the performance of leadership tasks in peacetime but above all in challenging national and international mission scenarios.
The basic officer training is conducted by the Theresan Military Academy in cooperation with the Branch Schools and lasts about 3 years.
The basic officer training consists of
- the career officer training course and (Truppenoffizierslehrgang)
- the University of Applied Sciences Bachelor's programme in Military Leadership. (Fachhochschul-Bachelorstudiengang Militärische Führung)
The University of Applied Sciences Bachelor's programme in Military Leadership is conducted in six semesters with a total of 180 points according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
Before, between and after the semesters of the Bachelor's programme in Military Leadership, the individual training sections of the cadet leadership course are located.
At the end of the career officer training course, there is the ceremonial graduation as a 2nd lieutenant in the Austrian Armed Forces.
The number of training places is subject to annual change and depends on the requirements of the Federal Ministry of Defence.