The general aim of the course is to provide military officers, including operators and military lawyers, as well as civilians, with the opportunity to learn how to apply the principles and rules of international humanitarian law (IHL) and the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC).

The course is designed for military officers, military lawyers who have a direct professional interest in or an obligation related to the application of the IHL. Participation is also welcomed from government officials, academics and students interested in this subject. The course programme has recently been updated to include greater consideration of the practical application of IHL in the contemporary operating environment.

The teaching methodology used for this course comprises a combination of central presentations and class work. The class work itself consists largely of a series of exercises conducted under the guidance of class leaders using classic current military planning and staff processes, leading the course through a series of IHL and other relevant legal issues arising during military operations at all levels of intensity. At the end of the course, participants attain a sound knowledge of the principles and rules of IHL and are able to apply these in a practical manner in a range of operational scenarios.