(B.)—SCHOOLS ATTACHED TO REGIMENTS OR DIVISIONS.
1.Regimental, Troop, and Cadet Schools.
Besides the troop schools in each regiment or independent battalion, there is one of the cadet schools for the education of all those, from the rank of sergeant downwards, who aspire to the rank of cadet, or who desire to acquire the preparatory knowledge necessary to be admitted into the schools for officers aspirant.
The number of pupils depends on the number of individuals qualified. The course is of two years.
2.Regimental Schools for Officers aspirant.
(a.) For theArtillery—The course is of two years; 50 scholars annually.
(b.) For theEngineers—A two years’ course for each.Pioneers—Number of pupils according to demand.
3.Divisional Schools for Officers aspirant.
There is a school of this sort in each of the 23 infantry and cavalry divisions, and for the country gendarmerie.
The course is of two years. Number of pupils not fixed (at present nearly 1,200), in addition to which is the special instruction for their respective arms; when they have successfully passed an examination at the end of the course, they become officers aspirant.
(C.)—ESTABLISHMENTS FOR MORE ADVANCED PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTION.
1.The Higher Courses for the Artillery, and(2)Engineers.
These are intended for the formation of highly scientific officers for the more important duties and higher command of these arms, and for the army in general. The course is of two years. The number of officer students is not fixed, but must depend on the number of highly qualified candidates of the above arms. They must have served for two years with their corps with distinction.
3.War School(Staff College).
This institution is intended for the formation of officers for the general staff. The course is of two years. The number of students is 80.
An officer must have served at least three years with his corps with distinction before he can be admitted, and officers who have served longer will, as a rule, be preferred.
(4.)Course for Military Frontier Instruction.
This is an academy for those who are already serving in the army. The course is of two years, and the number of pupils is regulated by the demand. The studies are as follows:—
State organization and frontier administration.Civil and military law and legal procedure.Agriculture, law of commerce, and exchange.Revenue law and institutions.Croatian language.
State organization and frontier administration.
Civil and military law and legal procedure.
Agriculture, law of commerce, and exchange.
Revenue law and institutions.
Croatian language.
5.Central Cavalry School at Vienna.
The object of this establishment is to prepare distinguished regimental officers for the higher commands in cavalry, and to instruct them in the theory and practice of that arm, and thehaute écoleof riding.
There are 41 students of the rank of captain (1st and 2d class), or one from each cavalry regiment. The course is of one year. The studies are as follows:—
Theoretical and practical riding, training of unbroken horses, service and drill regulations of cavalry, veterinary art, leaping, fencing, pistol-shooting, rudiments of strategy and history of war, tactics, field service, occupation of ground, surveying, army organization, knowledge of arms, pioneer and engineer service, practical drill, and field service and reconnaissances.
Theoretical and practical riding, training of unbroken horses, service and drill regulations of cavalry, veterinary art, leaping, fencing, pistol-shooting, rudiments of strategy and history of war, tactics, field service, occupation of ground, surveying, army organization, knowledge of arms, pioneer and engineer service, practical drill, and field service and reconnaissances.
6.Josephinum Academy for Medicine and Surgery,
For the formation of students for the higher grades of the medical and surgical departments, from the rank of first lieutenant-surgeon.
This establishment ranks with the upper school of surgery at Vienna. The number of students from the army is fixed at 242. When there is accommodation there are, besides this, paying students.
7.Military Veterinary Institution,
Consisting of two sections:—(1.) Veterinary. (2.) Farriery.
Students who have passed the necessary examinations are entitled to their diploma and rights in the same way as students of the civil veterinary school in Hungary.
The students of the veterinary section are field surgeons and farriers.
The students of the farriery section are non-commissioned officers and soldiers and civilians. The number of soldier students depends upon the requirements of the army.
8.Course for the Intendance.
This establishment,when organized, is intended to qualify captains or first-lieutenants on the active establishment of infantry or cavalry, captain auditors, and properly qualified clerks, for the administration of the Intendance of the army now in progress of formation.
(I.) COURSE OF SCIENCES TO BE TAUGHT AND LECTURED ON AT THE REGIMENTAL CADET SCHOOLS.
(II.) COURSE OF INSTRUCTION AT THE SCHOOLS FOR OFFICERS ASPIRANT.
B.—Course for the Pioneer Regiment.
High Mathematics.Higher Trigonometry.Practical do.Analytical Geometry.Mathematical Geography.Natural History and Chemistry.Military Economy and Finance.Geography.History.Construction of Arms.Fortification.Architecture.Mechanics.Drill,Service,Manœuvre,Regulations.Pioneer Service.Surveying.Tracing.Athletic Games.Fencing.Swimming.Tactics.
High Mathematics.
Higher Trigonometry.
Practical do.
Analytical Geometry.
Mathematical Geography.
Natural History and Chemistry.
Military Economy and Finance.
Geography.
History.
Construction of Arms.
Fortification.
Architecture.
Mechanics.
Drill,Service,Manœuvre,Regulations.
Pioneer Service.
Surveying.
Tracing.
Athletic Games.
Fencing.
Swimming.
Tactics.
(III.) COURSE OF INSTRUCTION AT THE PREPARATORY SCHOOL FOR THE WIENER NEUSTADT ACADEMY.
* Subjects marked thus * are voluntary for scholars of classical schools, but are compulsory at the military schools.
(IV.) COURSE AT THE PREPARATORY SCHOOLS FOR THE TECHNICAL ACADEMY.
(V.) COURSE OF INSTRUCTION AT THE MILITARY ACADEMY AT WIENER NEUSTADT.
* To these should be added the Bohemian and Hungarian language for the 3d and 4th years.
(VI.) COURSE OF INSTRUCTION AT THE TECHNICAL MILITARY ACADEMY AT VIENNA.
Subjects.—(Courses—United Preparatory, Engineer, Artillery.)
(VII.) UPPER COURSE OF STUDY FOR ARTILLERY.
(VIII.) UPPER COURSE OF STUDY FOR THE ENGINEERS.
(IX.) UPPER COURSE OF STUDY FOR THE WAR SCHOOL.
By recent ordinance the Special Staff Corps has been abolished. All the officers are borne on the army rosters according to their ranks, in particular branches of the service. No one will be allowed to enter the Staff School until he has served three or four years with the troops, and then captains and first lieutenants will be preferred to men of less service or rank. Having passed through the school course they will again join their regiments; and will then be appointed to the staff, as may be required. The period during which they are to remain on the staff will depend on their merits, their promotion, and the exigencies of the service; but as a principle they would generally rejoin their troop on promotion. There can be no doubt in the minds of those who have practically studied the question, that the system is sound. A special Staff Corps is never large enough to supply the demands of an army in the field for long, especially if the war is long and very active. The duties of a staff officer with an army actively engaged in the field, are so numerous and arduous that anenormous numberare used up in the course of a campaign; and when you have only the Staff Corps to draw from, the supply of practical officers is not equal to the demand. The French experienced this in the Crimean War. By educating a number of young officers endowed by nature with the qualifications indispensable to form anefficientstaff officeron active service, and by throwing them back into their regiments, they leaven the mass, and form a fund of selected and instructed officers from which can be drawn as occasion may require.—Col. Crealock to Military Ed. Com.
The following memorandum gives an account of an order lately issued, regulating Officers’ Brigade Schools in the Austrian cavalry.
The object of the Cavalry Brigade schools will be to secure a supply of efficient riding masters throughout the service capable of giving general instruction.
The Central Cavalry School will continue to be a higher military and scientific establishment, with (in addition to the theoretical education of the pupils) a course of instruction which insures a uniform system of equitation and of breaking horses. A certain number of its best pupils may be transferred, after a year’s attendance, to theKriegs-Schule, with a view to their preparation for the staff.
Cavalry Officers’ Brigade Schools educate officers of that arm, theoretically as well as practically, in all their duties. After the termination of the autumn manœuvres one will be formed in each brigade. The annual course lasts six months, and should begin on the 1st of October.
It is the duty of the Brigadier to superintend the school, but it is also that of commanding officers of regiments to inform themselves of the progress of their officers, and consequently to visit it often.
Before the 15th of August the Brigadier proposes to the Minister of War the station at which the school should be established, also the names of the instructors and pupils. It rests with him to make all arrangements for setting it in operation; and as his supervision must be continual, he should (whenever practicable) place it at the head-quarters of his brigade. Above all, a covered riding school must be fitted up; then a drill ground, a manège with artificial fences, and a school, and fencing-room. Whenever possible the men and horses must be in barracks.
The best qualified officer in the brigade, of the rank of lieutenant-colonel or major, is to be selected for Commandant, and each school is to have two captains as instructors. One of them must have gone through the Central Cavalry School, and must have been reported as specially qualified to give instruction; the second must be considered one of the best horsemen in the brigade.
At the disposal of these officers there is the following staff:—one veterinary surgeon for instruction in the anatomy, diseases, and shoeing of horses; one sergeant in charge of the men and horses; one sergeant for quartermaster’s duties and accounts; one farrier; three corporals; one trumpeter; twelve men per regiment of the brigade; and the riders of the horses attached to the school.
If there is an auditor (Judge Advocate) available, he attends regularly to explain the Articles of War and give lectures on military law. Should there be none, this duty devolves upon one of the captain instructors.
Six officers from the rank of first lieutenant downwards are sent yearly from each regiment. Each of them brings with him, besides his own horses, the one allowed him by Government. Every regiment sends six remount horses that have passed the first stage of breaking, and six that have just joined.
The principal subjects of theoretical instruction are—1st, Regulations of the army; 2d, Tactics, particularly as referring to the handling of cavalry; 3d, Field movements, and especially outpost duty, which are to be illustrated by examples from the history of war; the pupils will also draw and describe a tract of country, and give written reports upon field operations; 4th, description of the anatomy and diseases of horses, with their management and feedingboth in the stable and the field; shoeing theoretical and practical, in all its details; 5th, thorough practice in the use of cavalry weapons, a general acquaintance with the arms of the artillery and infantry of the principal military nations, and an accurate knowledge of those employed in the Imperial army; 6th, a general knowledge of field fortification and of the works to be executed by the Pioneer Corps in combination with cavalry; 7th, the study of tracts of country, extending to the observation of roads, streams, coverts, and undulations; the correct reading and understanding of maps.
The principal subjects of theoretical instruction are—1st, Regulations of the army; 2d, Tactics, particularly as referring to the handling of cavalry; 3d, Field movements, and especially outpost duty, which are to be illustrated by examples from the history of war; the pupils will also draw and describe a tract of country, and give written reports upon field operations; 4th, description of the anatomy and diseases of horses, with their management and feedingboth in the stable and the field; shoeing theoretical and practical, in all its details; 5th, thorough practice in the use of cavalry weapons, a general acquaintance with the arms of the artillery and infantry of the principal military nations, and an accurate knowledge of those employed in the Imperial army; 6th, a general knowledge of field fortification and of the works to be executed by the Pioneer Corps in combination with cavalry; 7th, the study of tracts of country, extending to the observation of roads, streams, coverts, and undulations; the correct reading and understanding of maps.
The practical branch of education at these schools has for its main object the maintenance throughout the army of the best fundamental system of equitation, and the adoption of any improvements in the cavalry service in general which may appear advisable. To this is added practice in getting over long distances through every description of country, and in judging when and where halts should be made with most advantage to single horsemen, or to detachments of troops. These marches are to be combined with patrolling, reconnaissances, and posting piquets, and are to be practiced once a week.
After every such march the pupils will send in a brief report and rough sketch, either next morning or within forty-eight hours, as may be ordered. They are to practice making this sketch on horseback as well as on foot. They must perfect themselves in gymnastics, and in fencing and singlestick, both on foot and horseback.
The regulations issued to the Minister of War as to distribution of hours and reports will be strictly followed, and no deviation will be permitted except under particular circumstances. Sundays and holidays are observed. No leave of absence, except in cases of urgent necessity, can be granted to either instructors or pupils during the course.
At the end of the season of instruction (i.e.at the end of March) the Cavalry Officers’ Brigade School will be broken up; and all persons attached to it, and their horses, will return to their regiments.
EXPENDITURES ON MILITARY EDUCATION.
The appropriation for Military Education in Austria for 1870, was as follows:—
For non-commissioned officers and men, 504,000 florins (40,320l).For officers, 978,000 florins (78,284l).
For non-commissioned officers and men, 504,000 florins (40,320l).
For officers, 978,000 florins (78,284l).
Footnotes for Part III (Austria)1The following account is translated from “Die Kaiserlich-Königlichen Militär-Bildungs-Anstalten, mit besonderer Rücksicht auf die Vorschriften für den Eintritt in dieselben, Zusammengestellt aus den allerhöchst sanctionirten Reglements der Militär-Bildungs-Anstalten. Wien, 1854.” (The Imperial Military Institutions for Education, with special reference to the conditions required for admission, compiled from the regulations sanctioned by His Majesty. Vienna, 1854)2Techniche(technical) is the original word. Compare its use in another matter; there are in the Artillery two services, the ordinary Campaigning Artillery and theTechnicalArtillery.3Frequentanten, who frequent, attend, or visit the school.4Stiftlinge, foundationers, andZahlende, paying pupils, the first, divided into, (1.)Militär-Ararialfoundationers, who are, as a rule, sons of Soldiers and Officers, and are maintained at the expense of the Military Treasury, theArar, orÆrarium; (2.) Provincial foundationers, who are maintained by the interest of lands or money granted in favor of young men belonging to some particular province, Bohemia, Gallicia, the Tyrol, Upper or Lower Austria, either by the Central Government (the State,) or by the Estates or Parliament (Stände) of the province; (3.) Private foundationers, under which name are included not only those maintained by moneys left by private individuals, but those also whose payments come from grants made by municipal and local corporations.5TheOber-Militär Commando, orCommandership-in-chief, the Fourth Section of which has the charge of Military Education.Commandois the German word corresponding to Commander, asMinistrydoes toMinister, and may signify one or more persons, a single Officer, or a Board of Commissioners.6Making a total of 1,620, to which may be added about 80, reserved forFrequentantenfrom the School Companies.7The interest, that is, will be allowed to accumulate, until a sufficient sum is provided to pay for the maintenance of a pupil.8Such as exist in most large towns.9There are fourArmies; the First in the west, with its head-quarters at Vienna; the Second in Italy, with its head-quarters at Verona; and two others in the eastern provinces. Each of these is divided into a certain number of Army Corps. The particulars may be seen in Schematismus or Military Calendar, and briefly in the Almanach de Gotha.10In those parts of the Empire, namely, in the so-called Military Frontiers, the old Turkish border, where the government is simply military.11The Governor or Lord Lieutenant (theStatthalter) is the ordinary representative of the Emperor in the various provinces composing the Empire. In his hands resides the usual administration of the government. The provinces have also their ancient Estates or Parliaments, Standing Committees of which might, under certain circumstances, sit at times when the Estates were not assembled.12Small allowances,e.g.of 8l.for three years, are very generally made to the widows of officers, and occasionally to officers themselves, to assist them in securing a decent education for their children.13Thus, it will be seen, all candidates appointed to the Military places in the schools are examined three times over by a medical officer. Where the State does not pay, in the case of provincial or private foundations, or of paying pupils, the same amount of precaution is not thought necessary.14The difficulties of traveling appear to be considered in Austria too great to allow of any examination (competitive or otherwise) before the candidates provisionally admitted actually arrive at the school to which they are appointed; if ill qualified, they are dismissed with the Chance of a second trial.15Will beassentirt, will take the oath. They are considered old enough for this at sixteen.16Even clothes and shoes being made by soldiers; a considerable number of soldiers were found thus employed, for example, at the Artillery Academy at Olmütz, under the superintendence of a master workman, bearing a non-commissioned grade, that of aprima-planist, for whom, see a Note further on.17Militär Rechnungs Branche.18Monturs Commission, charged with the duty of providing arms, clothing, &c., for the army. There are several establishments in various parts of the Empire. One of the largest is at Stockerau, near Vienna.19Into aSiechen-haus, a hospital for incurable cases; or anInvaliden-haus, forInvalídes.20A pupil who was removed from the Academy at Wiener Neustadt might, for example, enter the army as a simple Cadet, under the patronage of the Colonel of a regiment, and might, but for this rule, receive rapid promotion, and become the senior in rank of his comrades of the same year at the School. In like manner, a pupil removed from a Cadet Institution and transferred into a School Company, might, upon leaving that, under certain circumstances, outstrip his late comrades at the Cadet Institution.21That is, all the pupils are of military or quasi-military birth, and the expense is borne by the State. Both these and the Upper Military Houses are to be reduced, it is said, to ten.22The whole body (Mannschaft) of soldiers bearing arms (Feuergewehrstand.)23Marriage of the first degree is that entered into with full permission. In this the wives live in the barracks, receive a certain amount of rations, their children are recognized, and in case of the father’s death are admitted into the Orphan Schools.Soldiersare, however, occasionally allowed to marry, on condition of surrendering every claim to the above-mentioned privileges. This constitutes marriage of the second degree.24TheTrabanten-Leibgardeand theHofburgwacheare Court troops. For theMonturs Commission, see a previous Note.25Soldiers enlist for eight years, and after this to the end of the tenth year are on the Reserve.26That is, belonging to the Hospitals or Hotels des Invalides, theInvaliden-häuser, of which there are several.27Prima-planists, a name derived fromprima plana, the first leaf of the list, is given to soldiers employed in various special duties, especially perhaps those not of a strictly military kind. The master tailors, master shoemakers, master farriers, are allprima-planisten. The surgeon’s assistant ranks as such. The grade is superior to that of sergeant, but those who hold it are excluded from promotion to a commission.28This is a frequent phrase (mit dem Degen dienende) for active service.29Feldwebel, Sergeant;qua Feldwebel, Honorary Sergeant, with the title and distinction in the uniform, but without the pay.30Stock-fechten, or staff-fencing; a sort of military single-stick, the staff used resembling a musket and bayonet in one piece, all of wood.31Truppen-Officiere.32For service on the Lower Danube, the Po, and the Italian Lakes and Lagoons.33Both for service in the Fleet and in the Coast Defenses.34Technische, Technical or Artificer Companies.35ZöglingeandFrequentanten.36TheMannschaft-standis a term used to mean the whole body of Private Soldiers and Non-commissioned Officers.37The Non-commissioned Officers in the Austrian service rank as follows:—In the Infantry, Corporal, and Sergeant (Feldwebel:)In the Cavalry, Corporal, andWachtmeister:In the Artillery, Corporal, andFeuerwerker:But there are distinctions in addition. A private soldier who is exempted from certain duties, e.g. from standing sentry, bears the name ofGefreite, or Exempt, in the Infantry and in the Engineers; the corresponding rank to which in the Artillery is an Upper Cannoneer (Ober-Canonier,) and in the Pioneers, an Upper Pioneer (Ober-Pionier.) These are in no case Non-commissioned Officers, though in the way to become so. There are also Vice-Corporals (Lance Corporals,) with the badge but without the pay of Sergeants, andqua Feldwebelsor Honorary Sergeants, with the badge but without the pay of Sergeants.38The Austrian foot or shoe (schuh) of 12 inches (zoll) is a little longer than the English: 80 Austrian make 83 English.39Manipulation.See the account of the visits to the School Companies.40This includes pontooning.41Cadets in a regiment,i.e.candidates for a commission, like those appointed on the nomination of the colonels.42Because of the large number of Bohemians in the Artillery.43Pontooning being included in the duties of the Pioneers.44The Marine Infantry do not serve like our Marines on board ship, but only on the coast. The Marine Artillery and the Engineering pupils (Maschinen-lehrlinge) serve on board.45For the Outfit Department (Monturs Commission,) see a previous Note. The business of the Remounting Department or Remounting Establishments (Remontirungs Anstalten) is to supply the cavalry with horses. There are several of these great establishments for buying and breeding horses; the largest of all is in Gallicia.46Auditoriat.—There is anAuditoror Military Judge in each regiment. He has passed through his course as a law student, and declared for this branch. In every province there is a central department. These law officials rise through all the grades from Lieutenant up to General.47One of the marks of superior rank is the amount granted forallowances, for which there is a carefully graduated scale.48In the School Companies there are two different sets of Scholars, those who have come from the Houses of Education or from private schools, and those whoattendafter two years’ service in the Army. These arefrequentantenin the School Companies, but all alike, who come from the School Companies, arefrequentantenin the Academies.49It appears, however, that a transfer of pupils, for example, from the Engineers’ Academy to Wiener Neustadt, in consequence of incapacity for Mathematics, is allowed at a later standing. After passing a year at Znaim, a young man may enter the second year’s course at Neustadt.50The wishes of the parents are, of course, consulted in the case of paying pupils, but it is said that their consent is very generally given.51The Law of Nations as it existsde factowithout consideration of its principles.52This is at present, in point of fact, omitted for want of time.53The Artillery is recruited very largely from Bohemia and Moravia. A knowledge of the Bohemian language (which is pretty nearly the same as Moravian) is therefore essential for an Officer in the command of Artillerymen.54Literally, “asFrigate-Ensign, or Second Lieutenant of the second class,” the former being in rank the same as the latter. The order of rank is,—Captainof a Man-of-Warequal to aColonel in the Army.“of a Frigate“Lieutenant Colonel ditto.“of a Corvette“Major ditto.Lieutenantof a Man-of-War“First Captain ditto.“of a Frigate“Second Captain ditto.Ensign in a Man-of-War“First Lieutenant ditto.Ensignin a Frigate“Second Lieutenant ditto.In the Corps of Naval Architecture the ordinary military titles are used.55The HigherAdjutanturor the Aide-de-Camp Department.56SeeAnte, p 412-441.57It may be desirable to give some specimens, taken from the official account of the school, of the questions put at the examinations for admission,I.Viva voce.1. Mathematics:—Give an explanation of geometrical series, and a proof of the general formula.How is the circumference and area of a circle determined? How are the trigonometrical functions of the different quadrants of the circle indicated?2. Geography:—What is meant by thebackboneof Europe? What states does it pass through?The source of the Elbe; its principal feeders?3. History:—Describe generally the wars of Charles V.The political consequences of the Battle of Leipzig.4. Arms and Munitions:—What is the material of sword blades? how are they made and proved?How are gun carriages made for field and siege guns?What kinds of hollow shot are used in the Austrian artillery, and on what do their effects depend?5. Field and Permanent Fortification:—How is a trench made?How is a parapet built?What does a front of fortification consist of? what is the disposition of the several lines? what parts protect the principal rampart? what is the form of the flanks? and how is the main ditch made?What is meant by detached works? where are they placed?What are the best arrangements for the successful defense of a fortress?6. Pioneer Service:—How are two beams of the same dimensions fastened together in the same direction?How are suspension bridges put up?7. Rules for Drill and Exercise:—(a.) Infantry.Wheeling during a march.Forming of close battalion column.(b.) Cavalry.Marching in files and fours.Forming line from the flank to the front and rear.(c.) Artillery.Intervals and distances in a battery.II. Paper Work.In Mathematics:—1. Prove that in every triangle the square of the one side is equal to the sum of the squares of the two other sides, less twice the product of these two, multiplied by the cosine of the angle they inclose.2. If the hypothenuse is 33, and one angle 25° 48’ 12”, find the other angle and the perpendicular, &c.58The following shows the nature of the Report presented by the examiners upon an Officer examined for admission. It is called thePrüfungs-Act, and is sent into the Supreme War Department, that is, to the Fourth Section.Form No. I. gives the name, age, rank, and length of service of the Candidate (Lieut. R. H.)Form No. II.:—a.Oral Examination.1. Mathematics,Very good.2. Geography,Very good.3. History,Very good, knowledge thorough, statements logical.4. Arms and Munitions,Excellent; acquainted with the very details.5. Field and Permanent Fortification,Both satisfactory.6. Pioneer Service,Very good.7. Drill and Exercise Rules—Infantry,Very good.Cavalry,Not thorough.Artillery,Good.8. Manœuvring,Excellent.9. French,Translates without difficulty from French into German, and German into French. Not much practice in speaking.10. National languages,Speaks good Bohemian.b.Paper Work—1. Mathematics,&c. &c.c.Accomplishments—Writing.Military Drawing.Remarks.—Lieutenant R. H. is a pupil of the Neustadt Academy, of much natural talent, and quick apprehension. His way of expressing himself is quick and logical, and shows a clear head. He has a fair military bearing, and prepossessing appearance. He gives every hope of proving a useful Officer of the Staff, and deserves admission into the War School.Form No. III. gives the questions actually put, as in the note on the preceding page.(Signed) . . . . . .
1The following account is translated from “Die Kaiserlich-Königlichen Militär-Bildungs-Anstalten, mit besonderer Rücksicht auf die Vorschriften für den Eintritt in dieselben, Zusammengestellt aus den allerhöchst sanctionirten Reglements der Militär-Bildungs-Anstalten. Wien, 1854.” (The Imperial Military Institutions for Education, with special reference to the conditions required for admission, compiled from the regulations sanctioned by His Majesty. Vienna, 1854)
2Techniche(technical) is the original word. Compare its use in another matter; there are in the Artillery two services, the ordinary Campaigning Artillery and theTechnicalArtillery.
3Frequentanten, who frequent, attend, or visit the school.
4Stiftlinge, foundationers, andZahlende, paying pupils, the first, divided into, (1.)Militär-Ararialfoundationers, who are, as a rule, sons of Soldiers and Officers, and are maintained at the expense of the Military Treasury, theArar, orÆrarium; (2.) Provincial foundationers, who are maintained by the interest of lands or money granted in favor of young men belonging to some particular province, Bohemia, Gallicia, the Tyrol, Upper or Lower Austria, either by the Central Government (the State,) or by the Estates or Parliament (Stände) of the province; (3.) Private foundationers, under which name are included not only those maintained by moneys left by private individuals, but those also whose payments come from grants made by municipal and local corporations.
5TheOber-Militär Commando, orCommandership-in-chief, the Fourth Section of which has the charge of Military Education.Commandois the German word corresponding to Commander, asMinistrydoes toMinister, and may signify one or more persons, a single Officer, or a Board of Commissioners.
6Making a total of 1,620, to which may be added about 80, reserved forFrequentantenfrom the School Companies.
7The interest, that is, will be allowed to accumulate, until a sufficient sum is provided to pay for the maintenance of a pupil.
8Such as exist in most large towns.
9There are fourArmies; the First in the west, with its head-quarters at Vienna; the Second in Italy, with its head-quarters at Verona; and two others in the eastern provinces. Each of these is divided into a certain number of Army Corps. The particulars may be seen in Schematismus or Military Calendar, and briefly in the Almanach de Gotha.
10In those parts of the Empire, namely, in the so-called Military Frontiers, the old Turkish border, where the government is simply military.
11The Governor or Lord Lieutenant (theStatthalter) is the ordinary representative of the Emperor in the various provinces composing the Empire. In his hands resides the usual administration of the government. The provinces have also their ancient Estates or Parliaments, Standing Committees of which might, under certain circumstances, sit at times when the Estates were not assembled.
12Small allowances,e.g.of 8l.for three years, are very generally made to the widows of officers, and occasionally to officers themselves, to assist them in securing a decent education for their children.
13Thus, it will be seen, all candidates appointed to the Military places in the schools are examined three times over by a medical officer. Where the State does not pay, in the case of provincial or private foundations, or of paying pupils, the same amount of precaution is not thought necessary.
14The difficulties of traveling appear to be considered in Austria too great to allow of any examination (competitive or otherwise) before the candidates provisionally admitted actually arrive at the school to which they are appointed; if ill qualified, they are dismissed with the Chance of a second trial.
15Will beassentirt, will take the oath. They are considered old enough for this at sixteen.
16Even clothes and shoes being made by soldiers; a considerable number of soldiers were found thus employed, for example, at the Artillery Academy at Olmütz, under the superintendence of a master workman, bearing a non-commissioned grade, that of aprima-planist, for whom, see a Note further on.
17Militär Rechnungs Branche.
18Monturs Commission, charged with the duty of providing arms, clothing, &c., for the army. There are several establishments in various parts of the Empire. One of the largest is at Stockerau, near Vienna.
19Into aSiechen-haus, a hospital for incurable cases; or anInvaliden-haus, forInvalídes.
20A pupil who was removed from the Academy at Wiener Neustadt might, for example, enter the army as a simple Cadet, under the patronage of the Colonel of a regiment, and might, but for this rule, receive rapid promotion, and become the senior in rank of his comrades of the same year at the School. In like manner, a pupil removed from a Cadet Institution and transferred into a School Company, might, upon leaving that, under certain circumstances, outstrip his late comrades at the Cadet Institution.
21That is, all the pupils are of military or quasi-military birth, and the expense is borne by the State. Both these and the Upper Military Houses are to be reduced, it is said, to ten.
22The whole body (Mannschaft) of soldiers bearing arms (Feuergewehrstand.)
23Marriage of the first degree is that entered into with full permission. In this the wives live in the barracks, receive a certain amount of rations, their children are recognized, and in case of the father’s death are admitted into the Orphan Schools.Soldiersare, however, occasionally allowed to marry, on condition of surrendering every claim to the above-mentioned privileges. This constitutes marriage of the second degree.
24TheTrabanten-Leibgardeand theHofburgwacheare Court troops. For theMonturs Commission, see a previous Note.
25Soldiers enlist for eight years, and after this to the end of the tenth year are on the Reserve.
26That is, belonging to the Hospitals or Hotels des Invalides, theInvaliden-häuser, of which there are several.
27Prima-planists, a name derived fromprima plana, the first leaf of the list, is given to soldiers employed in various special duties, especially perhaps those not of a strictly military kind. The master tailors, master shoemakers, master farriers, are allprima-planisten. The surgeon’s assistant ranks as such. The grade is superior to that of sergeant, but those who hold it are excluded from promotion to a commission.
28This is a frequent phrase (mit dem Degen dienende) for active service.
29Feldwebel, Sergeant;qua Feldwebel, Honorary Sergeant, with the title and distinction in the uniform, but without the pay.
30Stock-fechten, or staff-fencing; a sort of military single-stick, the staff used resembling a musket and bayonet in one piece, all of wood.
31Truppen-Officiere.
32For service on the Lower Danube, the Po, and the Italian Lakes and Lagoons.
33Both for service in the Fleet and in the Coast Defenses.
34Technische, Technical or Artificer Companies.
35ZöglingeandFrequentanten.
36TheMannschaft-standis a term used to mean the whole body of Private Soldiers and Non-commissioned Officers.
37The Non-commissioned Officers in the Austrian service rank as follows:—
In the Infantry, Corporal, and Sergeant (Feldwebel:)In the Cavalry, Corporal, andWachtmeister:In the Artillery, Corporal, andFeuerwerker:
In the Infantry, Corporal, and Sergeant (Feldwebel:)
In the Cavalry, Corporal, andWachtmeister:
In the Artillery, Corporal, andFeuerwerker:
But there are distinctions in addition. A private soldier who is exempted from certain duties, e.g. from standing sentry, bears the name ofGefreite, or Exempt, in the Infantry and in the Engineers; the corresponding rank to which in the Artillery is an Upper Cannoneer (Ober-Canonier,) and in the Pioneers, an Upper Pioneer (Ober-Pionier.) These are in no case Non-commissioned Officers, though in the way to become so. There are also Vice-Corporals (Lance Corporals,) with the badge but without the pay of Sergeants, andqua Feldwebelsor Honorary Sergeants, with the badge but without the pay of Sergeants.
38The Austrian foot or shoe (schuh) of 12 inches (zoll) is a little longer than the English: 80 Austrian make 83 English.
39Manipulation.See the account of the visits to the School Companies.
40This includes pontooning.
41Cadets in a regiment,i.e.candidates for a commission, like those appointed on the nomination of the colonels.
42Because of the large number of Bohemians in the Artillery.
43Pontooning being included in the duties of the Pioneers.
44The Marine Infantry do not serve like our Marines on board ship, but only on the coast. The Marine Artillery and the Engineering pupils (Maschinen-lehrlinge) serve on board.
45For the Outfit Department (Monturs Commission,) see a previous Note. The business of the Remounting Department or Remounting Establishments (Remontirungs Anstalten) is to supply the cavalry with horses. There are several of these great establishments for buying and breeding horses; the largest of all is in Gallicia.
46Auditoriat.—There is anAuditoror Military Judge in each regiment. He has passed through his course as a law student, and declared for this branch. In every province there is a central department. These law officials rise through all the grades from Lieutenant up to General.
47One of the marks of superior rank is the amount granted forallowances, for which there is a carefully graduated scale.
48In the School Companies there are two different sets of Scholars, those who have come from the Houses of Education or from private schools, and those whoattendafter two years’ service in the Army. These arefrequentantenin the School Companies, but all alike, who come from the School Companies, arefrequentantenin the Academies.
49It appears, however, that a transfer of pupils, for example, from the Engineers’ Academy to Wiener Neustadt, in consequence of incapacity for Mathematics, is allowed at a later standing. After passing a year at Znaim, a young man may enter the second year’s course at Neustadt.
50The wishes of the parents are, of course, consulted in the case of paying pupils, but it is said that their consent is very generally given.
51The Law of Nations as it existsde factowithout consideration of its principles.
52This is at present, in point of fact, omitted for want of time.
53The Artillery is recruited very largely from Bohemia and Moravia. A knowledge of the Bohemian language (which is pretty nearly the same as Moravian) is therefore essential for an Officer in the command of Artillerymen.
54Literally, “asFrigate-Ensign, or Second Lieutenant of the second class,” the former being in rank the same as the latter. The order of rank is,—
In the Corps of Naval Architecture the ordinary military titles are used.
55The HigherAdjutanturor the Aide-de-Camp Department.
56SeeAnte, p 412-441.
57It may be desirable to give some specimens, taken from the official account of the school, of the questions put at the examinations for admission,
I.Viva voce.
1. Mathematics:—Give an explanation of geometrical series, and a proof of the general formula.How is the circumference and area of a circle determined? How are the trigonometrical functions of the different quadrants of the circle indicated?2. Geography:—What is meant by thebackboneof Europe? What states does it pass through?The source of the Elbe; its principal feeders?3. History:—Describe generally the wars of Charles V.The political consequences of the Battle of Leipzig.4. Arms and Munitions:—What is the material of sword blades? how are they made and proved?How are gun carriages made for field and siege guns?What kinds of hollow shot are used in the Austrian artillery, and on what do their effects depend?5. Field and Permanent Fortification:—How is a trench made?How is a parapet built?What does a front of fortification consist of? what is the disposition of the several lines? what parts protect the principal rampart? what is the form of the flanks? and how is the main ditch made?What is meant by detached works? where are they placed?What are the best arrangements for the successful defense of a fortress?6. Pioneer Service:—How are two beams of the same dimensions fastened together in the same direction?How are suspension bridges put up?7. Rules for Drill and Exercise:—(a.) Infantry.Wheeling during a march.Forming of close battalion column.(b.) Cavalry.Marching in files and fours.Forming line from the flank to the front and rear.(c.) Artillery.Intervals and distances in a battery.
1. Mathematics:—
Give an explanation of geometrical series, and a proof of the general formula.How is the circumference and area of a circle determined? How are the trigonometrical functions of the different quadrants of the circle indicated?
Give an explanation of geometrical series, and a proof of the general formula.
How is the circumference and area of a circle determined? How are the trigonometrical functions of the different quadrants of the circle indicated?
2. Geography:—
What is meant by thebackboneof Europe? What states does it pass through?The source of the Elbe; its principal feeders?
What is meant by thebackboneof Europe? What states does it pass through?
The source of the Elbe; its principal feeders?
3. History:—
Describe generally the wars of Charles V.The political consequences of the Battle of Leipzig.
Describe generally the wars of Charles V.
The political consequences of the Battle of Leipzig.
4. Arms and Munitions:—
What is the material of sword blades? how are they made and proved?How are gun carriages made for field and siege guns?What kinds of hollow shot are used in the Austrian artillery, and on what do their effects depend?
What is the material of sword blades? how are they made and proved?
How are gun carriages made for field and siege guns?
What kinds of hollow shot are used in the Austrian artillery, and on what do their effects depend?
5. Field and Permanent Fortification:—
How is a trench made?How is a parapet built?What does a front of fortification consist of? what is the disposition of the several lines? what parts protect the principal rampart? what is the form of the flanks? and how is the main ditch made?What is meant by detached works? where are they placed?What are the best arrangements for the successful defense of a fortress?
How is a trench made?
How is a parapet built?
What does a front of fortification consist of? what is the disposition of the several lines? what parts protect the principal rampart? what is the form of the flanks? and how is the main ditch made?
What is meant by detached works? where are they placed?
What are the best arrangements for the successful defense of a fortress?
6. Pioneer Service:—
How are two beams of the same dimensions fastened together in the same direction?How are suspension bridges put up?
How are two beams of the same dimensions fastened together in the same direction?
How are suspension bridges put up?
7. Rules for Drill and Exercise:—
(a.) Infantry.Wheeling during a march.Forming of close battalion column.(b.) Cavalry.Marching in files and fours.Forming line from the flank to the front and rear.(c.) Artillery.Intervals and distances in a battery.
(a.) Infantry.
Wheeling during a march.Forming of close battalion column.
Wheeling during a march.
Forming of close battalion column.
(b.) Cavalry.
Marching in files and fours.Forming line from the flank to the front and rear.
Marching in files and fours.
Forming line from the flank to the front and rear.
(c.) Artillery.
Intervals and distances in a battery.
Intervals and distances in a battery.
II. Paper Work.
In Mathematics:—1. Prove that in every triangle the square of the one side is equal to the sum of the squares of the two other sides, less twice the product of these two, multiplied by the cosine of the angle they inclose.2. If the hypothenuse is 33, and one angle 25° 48’ 12”, find the other angle and the perpendicular, &c.
In Mathematics:—
1. Prove that in every triangle the square of the one side is equal to the sum of the squares of the two other sides, less twice the product of these two, multiplied by the cosine of the angle they inclose.2. If the hypothenuse is 33, and one angle 25° 48’ 12”, find the other angle and the perpendicular, &c.
1. Prove that in every triangle the square of the one side is equal to the sum of the squares of the two other sides, less twice the product of these two, multiplied by the cosine of the angle they inclose.
2. If the hypothenuse is 33, and one angle 25° 48’ 12”, find the other angle and the perpendicular, &c.
58The following shows the nature of the Report presented by the examiners upon an Officer examined for admission. It is called thePrüfungs-Act, and is sent into the Supreme War Department, that is, to the Fourth Section.
Form No. I. gives the name, age, rank, and length of service of the Candidate (Lieut. R. H.)
Form No. II.:—a.Oral Examination.
Very good, knowledge thorough, statements logical.
4. Arms and Munitions,
Excellent; acquainted with the very details.
5. Field and Permanent Fortification,
6. Pioneer Service,
7. Drill and Exercise Rules—
Translates without difficulty from French into German, and German into French. Not much practice in speaking.
10. National languages,
Speaks good Bohemian.
Remarks.—Lieutenant R. H. is a pupil of the Neustadt Academy, of much natural talent, and quick apprehension. His way of expressing himself is quick and logical, and shows a clear head. He has a fair military bearing, and prepossessing appearance. He gives every hope of proving a useful Officer of the Staff, and deserves admission into the War School.
Form No. III. gives the questions actually put, as in the note on the preceding page.
(Signed) . . . . . .