CSDP Nov 2017

From 20th Nov. -24th Nov. 2017, the Common Security and Defence Policy Module took place at the Theresan Military Academy. 

In this module, it is not only the goal to acquire as much knowledge as possible about the common security and foreign policy, but also to make friendships and contacts with participants of other nations. In addition to the class Freiherr von Reischach, 72 people from 11 different nations like Austria, Bosnia Herzegovina, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and the USA participated.

With the arrival of the international participants on Sunday the 19th Nov. 2017, the week began for some parts of the class Freiherr von Reischach a day earlier. On Monday, the module started for all participants with the opening ceremony and a speech by the person in charge of the module, Colonel Assoc Prof. Harald Gell, in which he motivated everyone to think outside the borders of their own nation.

15 instructors from four different countries, namely Austria, Czech Republic, Greece, and Poland, conducted the lessons and lectures.


However, not only lessons took place within the module, activities and excursions were also offered on and off duty. A special highlight was a visit to the UNHQ in Vienna. There was also an in-processing party, a sports competition and a guided tour of the castle. These activities were already prepared beforehand by the members of the class Freiherr von Reischach.

Throughout the week, the participants were divided into so-called syndicates. Within these syndicates, the group work, in which the preparation for the presentations took place.
In order to come to a final assessment, the participants were judged by the "Syndicate Work" units and their presentations. Further, a final test was conducted.


On Friday, the 24th Nov 2017, the closing ceremony took place in the Knights' Hall of the Theresan Military Academy, in which all participants were informed about their good results. Seven participants were honoured separately for outstanding achievements and received a coin from the Institute of Basic Officer Education at the Theresan Military Academy. After speeches by an international and national Cadets, Major General Mag. Pronhagl and Colonel Assoc. Prof. Gell, PhD handed over the certificates.
The CSDP module was again a great success this year. This module is a way to improve the cooperation between different – mainly EU – countries in the future.