Conflict laws test cadets

By Midn Phil Bywater

SAN Remo, Italy was the destination of a team of Midshipmen and Officer Cadets from ADFA taking part in the Fourth Competition of the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC) for Military Academies.

OCdt Renee Westra, OCdt David Schoolderman and Midn Phil Bywaters accompanied by Capt Tamara Foxall and Leut Ty Douglas journeyed first to Rome and experienced first-hand the emotion surrounding the death of Pope John Paul II.

The competition aims to enhance the knowledge of LOAC and promote the respect of the rule of law. With 60 Midshipmen and Cadets representing 13 countries, the competition also proved to be a great opportunity for interaction on an international scale.

Held in two phases the competition allows various experts on LOAC to present lectures, whilst the second phase involves Midshipmen and Cadets representing fictitious countries in a Joint Operations Centre for a simulated a UN multilateral operation.

The conduct of operations, including aspects such as military necessity, unnecessary suffering, proportionality and distinction, created educational and thought-provoking discussions and debates amongst participants.

Canada won the competition, however all participants returned to their respective nations enriched by the experience of LOAC.