On December 14, 1751, the Theresian Military Academy (Theresianische Militärakademie, TherMilAk) is founded. Established under the orders of the empress Maria Theresa, the academy is among the oldest military academies in the world. The academy was also the site of resistance to the Nazi German annexation of Austria (the Anschluss) as the school's commander prevented troops of Germany's Wehrmacht from entering the castle in which the academy was housed. The school was also briefly commanded by German field marshal Erwin Rommel, better known for his role in the German invasion of France and as commander of the Afrika Korps.

The Theresian Military Academy, located in the city of Weiner Neustadt, continues to train officers for the Austrian Armed Forces to this day. The academy offers a bachelor's degree in military leadership through a three-year program. The first women to graduate from TherMilAk did so in 2003.