- Defense Institute of International Legal Studies
- DIILS GRADUATES 28 INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPANTS F...
DIILS GRADUATES 28 INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPANTS FROM 14TH INTERNATIONAL LAW OF MILITARY OPERATIONS COURSE
On 23 June, 28 participants from 22 countries graduated from the 14th International Law of Military Operations course (ILOMO) offered by DIILS. This 3-week course prepares military legal advisors to better support unit commanders on the legal aspects of operations and enables them to play a more constructive role in operational planning. ILOMO is designed mainly for military legal advisors, but is open to - and may be useful for - commanders and staff officers who seek increased knowledge of legal issues attendant to military operations. In addition to seminars and practical exercises at Naval Station Newport, where they learned alongside U.S. Judge Advocates preparing for operational assignments, ILOMO participants visited New York City and met with military affairs, peacekeeping, and military legal experts from the United Nations.
ILOMO course survey feedback illustrates the many strengths of this unique course, which not only includes diverse participants from around the world, but offers a rare opportunity for those participants to join American judge advocates during selected seminars conducted in conjunction with the U.S. Naval Justice School adjacent to DIILS, and to interact with them during classes and breaks. Perhaps the most striking highlight of the ILOMO course is that it showcases the advantages of a strong working relationship between operational commanders and their legal advisors, a skill that many participants say will serve them well in the future. Here are some of their comments:
Highlights:
• The interaction and mutual respect between the international and US course attendees - I hope that will carry on in coalition operations and in the future.
• Understanding the role of military legal advisers in military operational planning.
Strengths:
• The multinational participation provides intriguing discussions and effective networking.
• The diversity of participants and inclusion of instructors from UN and ICRC, as well as comparative study of legal systems and national practices.
• The Field Studies Program is definitely important for international students, who gain first-hand knowledge about US norms and customs by getting in touch with natives and laymen.
• The wide diversity of participant presentations was an added bonus.
What they learned that can be used in the workplace:
• Being able to know and refer to other nations' perspectives and opinions regarding operational and legal matters.
• Armed Forces may play an important role in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, but this role is not their main mission.
• This course enhance my understanding of my role as a legal adviser at every level of operational planning
• I met really great US soldiers, made some friends, and discussed the US point of view of military operations. I now have a better understanding of the stance of the US in the international environment, even if I’m not always agreeing with this. Still, I respect and understand their position. As a member of NATO forces, I think there should be more sharing of legal perspectives among all the allies in the military environment. Every culture is different and I’m happy that this is so.
Next offering of ILOMO is 5-22 June 2017.