Career Development -Legal Competency Levels - Legal Training Modules - MLC Links- JOLT

Role

The Military Law Centre (MLC) was established in January 2000 primarily to take responsibility for the co-ordination, formulation and delivery of legal training necessary for the professional development of legal officers in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The role of the MLC has since expanded to take into account the developing needs of the broader ADF. The MLC is located at Randwick Barracks in Sydney.

Responsibilities

Develop and coordinate the delivery of Legal Training Modules (LTM1-3) for the professional development of ADF legal officers;
Develop and coordinate the delivery of pre-command legal training to Commanding Officer designates in all three services of the ADF;
Provide assistance in the development and delivery of Military Law training across the ADF;
Organise "Lessons Learned" conferences and workshops on current legal issues;
Assist in the formulation and development of legal policy and doctrine;
Develop and maintain the MLC research library.

Legal Training Modules (LTMs)

To be eligible to attempt any LTM a Legal Officer must be a member of the Legal Officer Specialist Career Structure (LOSCS) and be deemed at the appropriate Legal Level; i.e. CL2 to attempt LTM2.

The MLC does not guarantee placement on any LTM or individual subject. In the case of oversubscription a panelling process will be conducted by the MLC in accordance with the relevant Legal Officer Career and Professional Development Committee (LOCPDC) policy and positions granted according to priority. To view the latest CPDC policy decisions regarding funding priorities for LTMs please Click here to view the Career Management page of the Defence Legal website.



MLC Legal Training Modules
To be eligible to attempt any Legal Training Module (LTM) a Legal Officer must be a member of the Legal Officer Specialist Officer Career Structure (LOSOCS) and be deemed at the appropriate Legal Level; i.e. LL2 to attempt LTM2.

The MLC does not guarantee placement on any LTM or individual subject. In the case of oversubscription a panelling process will be conducted by the MLC, in conjunction with the CPDC, and positions granted according to priority.

Select to view further info on Legal Training Modules (LTM's) and Course Dates

MLC LTM Nomination Form Request

Further Information - Legal Officer Training Handbook

Legal Officer Training Handbook

Published 4 Aug 2011

The intent of this handbook is to ensure that all legal officers are aware of the requirements of the legal training program and have a primary reference point for policy, programming and administrative matters. The MLC requests that all officers at Competency Levels (CL) 1-3 and their supervisors take the time to read the handbook in association with the Legal Officers Specialist Career Structure (LOSOCS) outline available at the Career Management page of the Defence Legal websites.

Joint Operations Legal Training (JOLT) 2012 

Aim
The aim of the JOLT course is to prepare ADF Legal Officers for the most challenging aspects of deployed legal support to the sorts of operations that are representative of current, major ADF commitments. Successful completion of JOLT provides DGADFLS assurance that a deployed Legal Officer has the competence to provide the legal support required by commanders on operations. JOLT is linked to the annual needs of Joint Operations Command for Legal Officers to deploy to provide legal support on operations.

Overview
JOLT is vocational training conducted over nine days and comprises principally face-to-face lectures culminating in a practical assessment. Target candidates are those Legal Officers assessed by Heads of Corps/Category (HOCs) as most suitable to deploy on operations within the next 18 months.  

The program focuses on principles and practical aspects of the Law of Targeting, Detention Operations, Rules of Engagement (ROE) and Incident management.  As a result of JOLT, students will be prepared to deploy on operations in order to:

1.         Provide legal advice to commanders and other personnel regarding the drafting and interpretation of ROE.
2.         Assist commanders in managing legal aspects of incidents that may require some form of formal fact-finding, reporting and subsequent response to the findings.
3.         Provide legal support to commanders and other personnel involved in targeting decisions.
4.         Provide legal support to commanders and other personnel involved in detainee management, including the questioning and exploitation of detainees.

Dates: Sat 20 Apr – Sun 29 Apr 12

Venue: Joint Warfare, Doctrine and Training Centre (JWDTC) at RAAF Williamtown, NSW.

Prerequisites:
Security Clearance: Secret
DSN Account:  Essential 
Rank Min: O3 (ie, Army CAPT equivalent)
Service/Type: ADF Legal Officers (Army, Navy, Air Force)
Proficiencies: Training Module 2 (LTM 2) – Operations Law (EDP 206452/P106501)
Selection Criteria: HOCs identify Legal Officers suitable to deploy within the next 18 months. Their nominations will be sent to DGADFLS who decides the panel.
Nomination: Nominations for JOLT 2013 are likely to be made in December. Individuals cannot apply directly for JOLT, rather they must flag their interest with HOCs.  

Relevant Links

The Australian National University Law Faculty
University of Melbourne Law School
Asia Pacific Centre for Military Law (APCML)

Contact Details

Military Law Centre
Randwick Barracks (Building 100)
Avoca Street
RANDWICK 2031
Phone: +61 2 9349 0628
Fax: +61 2 9349 0757
Email: mlc.admin@defence.gov.au