History is the road to knowledge and therefore it cannot be ignored. Learning, in all its forms, valorizes knowledge. Bringing together learning and history means bearing witness to development. Value, quality and honor are the three pillars on which we have laid the foundations, we are consolidating the structure and we will be elevating the edifice of knowledge. Since all of these had to bear a name, it was called the Military Technical Academy. And given that nobility can only be a crowning of the courage, ability and determination to surpass hardship, a deeply resounding name was added to the title, one that echoes through modern Romanian history: Ferdinand the First.
When one speaks of the Military Technical Academy “Ferdinand the First”, one refers to a renowned university, which, in the course of time, has imposed and strictly abided by high standards in a certain field of reference, a field that can be broadly called engineering for the army. Engineering involves a specialization in the field of technical, applied science and if one adds to this the strict rules of military life, a certain standard is envisioned which, once achieved, results into the preparation of a military specialist with multiple and solid qualifications, capable of competent action under the present circumstances.
The “spirit”of learning wears an academic cloak, being crowned by exceptional scientific achievements and of an essential deep-seated patriotism. The Military Technical Academy “Ferdinand the First” was always and will continue to be a symbol of dignity and discipline, of pride and loyalty towards the profession, towards the country and its people.
An institution of learning defines people’s destiny, and is in turn defined by its people. For its teaching staff, the Military Technical Academy “Ferdinand the First” was, is and will definitely embody their destiny of working in a renowned learning institution where special attention is given to the quality of the teaching activity. For its students, the Academy is always the Alma mater, one which produced, produces and will continue to produce the elite of engineering. The elites are the ones that initiate and decide the society’s coming of age and its course of development on all levels, including that of the Army. The graduates of the Military Technical Academy “Ferdinand the First” contribute to the prestige in their field of expertise, many of them coming to occupy positions and to fulfill roles where they have an important say in the army’s and the country’s destiny. The academy’s spirit is embodied by its people, the bearers of a tradition which combines scientific value, patriotism and the honor of wearing the military uniform and placing one’s country above everything else: non sibi sed patriae.
Annually, starting from 1949, the Military Technical Academy “Ferdinand the First” has boasted exceptional results both in the educational process and in scientific research, going through peaceful or tumultuous periods, sometimes being overshadowed, yet stubbornly resilient, adapting to the times in order to transcend them, purposefully pursuing its creed: per aspera ad astra.
The strategic objectives of the Military Technical Academy “Ferdinand the First” set the level of institutional ambition establishing the directions of development in the educational process, belonging to the higher education polytechnic system in Romania and in full accordance with the one existing on a European level. Thereby, the European dimension of education and scientific research is promoted through participating in specific programs of the European Union and of partnership with military and civilian universities, through mobility programs for students, teaching staff and scientific researchers. Also, special emphasis is being laid on developing educational quality, with the purpose of turning the Military Technical Academy “Ferdinand the First” into a higher education and scientific research institution with a “high confidence rating”, the most valuable brand of Romanian military education.
Year after year, through its entire activity, the Military Technical Academy “Ferdinand the First” strives to bring excellence into the formation of the human resource of technical-engineering background, to generate knowledge for the formation of well-trained generations of specialists, who are competitive both in the military environment and in the civilian one, prepared to fully contribute to the development of the national defense industry’s capabilities, ready to accomplish their missions inside the national defense security system structures, NATO, and not only.
“Walls” may be necessary for a place of learning, yet the “spirit” that lives within them exceeds the material confines and maintains the accomplishment of ideals, polishing the rough edges, enduring through time and ensuring the institutional continuity and development. In this age of knowledge, the present constitutes in fact a strategic asset for the future, meant to lay the premises for the continual affirmation of the Military Technical Academy “Ferdinand the First” as an institution of excellence in the field of military polytechnic education.
The Military Technical Academy “Ferdinand the First” looks towards the future with the confidence and conviction that above all obstacles and hardship there shines the courage of continually asserting its endorsement of the values of quality and creativity applied to education and scientific research, all of them serving the higher purpose of love for one’s country. The attested scientific preparation, in conjunction with the joy of knowing and the admiration for those in possession of knowledge, the possibility of evolving under the guidance of an elite educational body are values which define and give consistency to this traditional military polytechnic university of the National Defense Ministry, at the same time safeguarding its future evolution and development.
Vivat, crescat, floreat!
Rector/ Commandant of the Military Technical „Ferdinand I”
Brigadier General Prof. Eng. Iulian-Constantin VIZITIU, PhD
