The Australian Defence Force is demonstrating its commitment to preparing personnel for complex missions through the United Nations Military Observer Course at the Peace Operations Training Centre (POTC).

The course prepares participants for the challenges of peacekeeping deployments through intensive classroom lessons, planning activities and practical field simulations. 

Its training model blends artificial intelligence-driven technology with hands-on exercises, giving students the skills and confidence needed for operations in multinational environments.

Commanding Officer and Chief Instructor Lieutenant Colonel Michael Webbe said the approach ensured participants were mission ready.

“We use both cutting-edge simulation with artificial intelligence and field activities, providing feedback to ensure our students can perform with confidence once deployed,” Lieutenant Colonel Webbe said.

“Trainees are given an introduction into the UN system that helps foreign forces work together on international global peace outcomes.”

The course culminated in Exercise Blue Flag, a large-scale scenario replicating the realities of a UN mission. 

Participants were tested on critical skills including negotiation, mediation and dispute resolution, all under simulated operational conditions.

'The centre’s world-class facilities and simulation technology prepare them for the realities of deployment.'

Course instructor Lieutenant Colonel Rio Ranilo Mallanao, Philippine Armed Forces, highlighted the benefits of international participation. 

“With students coming from different cultures and backgrounds, they bring different perspectives,” he said. 

“They can adapt good practices and avoid pitfalls. 

“The centre’s world-class facilities and simulation technology prepare them for the realities of deployment.”

The POTC continues to set the standard for preparing peacekeepers to face the complexities of modern operations while also building regional partnerships. 

The Indo-Pacific Endeavour program brought a delegation from Laos to observe the specialist training course to support Laos’ interest in developing its own peacekeeping capability.

The delegation was able to gain insight into the training by watching classroom instruction and simulated exercises, helping them understand Australia’s approach to peacekeeping.

The delegation said the course appeared to prepare its participants for violent and complex situations through the delivered training and built-in scenarios. 

Lieutenant Colonel Webbe said their involvement reflected Australia’s broader commitment to cooperation.

“We are very grateful to have Lao representatives visit us and observe our courses,” he said.

“We value Laos’ commitment to the global rules-based order, and we see them as a future partner where we work together to that outcome.”

The program is a mandated peacekeeper observer’s course that prepares ADF and foreign personnel for the complexities of UN peacekeeping missions.