On Thursday, December 11, 2025, the ceremonial change of command took place as part of the 274th anniversary celebration of the Theresian Military Academy (TherMilAk) in Wiener Neustadt. In the presence of Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner, Major General Karl Pronhagl handed over command of the long-established training institution to his successor, Brigadier Philipp Ségur-Cabanac.
Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner praised the new commandant as the ideal candidate: “Brigadier Philipp Ségur-Cabanac is the ideal choice as commandant of the Theresian Military Academy. An experienced officer who has held leadership positions for many years, he now fulfills one of the most important tasks: the training of our officer candidates.” Ségur-Cabanac is the 44th commandant to lead the Theresian Military Academy. He is a graduate of the academy (class of 1995-1998) and possesses extensive experience, including as commandant of the Special Forces Command from 2019 to 2024 and as a graduate of both the French and Austrian General Staff courses.
His predecessor, Major General Karl Pronhagl, significantly shaped the Military Academy during his tenure through forward-looking projects. These included the founding of the Federal Business Academy for Leadership and Security, the establishment of the Bachelor's degree program "Military Information and Communication Technology Leadership," and the restructuring of officer training. The change of command was symbolically completed through the return and passing of the Academy flag.
The official anniversary of the founding of the academy, established by Maria Theresa in 1751, falls on December 14th. This year's celebrations for the anniversary, which commemorates the "Most High Decree to establish a noble military school in Wienerisch Neustadt," also included a wreath-laying ceremony at the Empress's monument.