Prussian Staff College

It originated with the Akademie für junge Offiziere der Infanterie und Kavallerie (Academy for young officers of the infantry and cavalry) in 1801, later becoming known as the Allgemeine Kriegsschule (General War-School).

Instruction was by professors from Berlin University and officers serving on the Great General Staff, who thereby enhanced their own educations.

In the first year, fourteen hours of lectures each week were focused on military subjects, including military history, while seventeen hours were non-military, which included general history, mathematics, science and a choice of French or Russian.

During the three month summer breaks the students attended manoeuvres and were taken on field tactical exercises in which they commanded imaginary units.

After two years they took their third and final examination, after which five to eight officers were permanently posted to fill vacancies in the General Staff — a remarkable winnowing from the many who had entered the competition.