Homs Military Academy

rdf:langString Homs Military Academy

rdf:langString Homs Military Academy

rdf:langString Homs Military Academy

rdf:langString Flag of the Syrian Military Academy.svg

rdf:langString Homs Military Academy is a military educational and training institution located in Homs, Syria. Homs Military Academy was founded in 1933 by France during the Mandate for Syria and the Lebanon. During the period of French administration the Academy provided officer training for the Troupes Speciales du Levant - the locally recruited Syrian and Lebanese units forming part of the Army of the Levant. Continuing in existence after the end of the Mandate in 1943 and throughout various political changes, it remains the oldest and largest military service institution in Syria. At first, it was primarily an academy for infantry officers, while graduates who selected the other services went on to additional specialized training at other army-operated specialist schools. Graduates were often selected for a military academy in the Soviet Union. Homs Academy allowed entrants who did not possess high level education qualifications, as well as offering a relatively rare rapid career path for graduates. In addition to large numbers of Syrian and Lebanese nationals it also offered officer training to French citizens who were denied by class or education from attending comparable academies within France.