JAG

The Directorate of Law Training (DLaw/T) is a component of the Office of the Judge Advocate General. One of its primary goals is to provide leading-edge legal training to all Regular and Reserve Force members of the Canadian Forces. This training is aimed at enhancing discipline across the CF and ensuring that the CF carries out its missions in accordance with all applicable domestic and international laws.

The principal courses offered by DLaw/T to members of the CF are:

• Presiding Officer Certification Training (POCT)
• Presiding Officer Re-certification
• Law of Armed Conflict Course (LOAC)

WHAT IS IT?

POCT is a course designed to train Superior Commanders, Commanding Officers (COs) and Delegated Officers in the administration of the Code of Service Discipline at the summary trial level.

• The course covers the summary trial process from start to finish;
• The course highlights key issues from the pre-investigation to the post-trial stage;
• The course certifies Superior Commanders, Commanding Officers (COs) and Delegated Officers as qualified to perform their duties in the administration of the Code of Service Discipline;
• The presiding officer certification is valid for a four (4) year period.

WHO REQUIRES IT?

POCT is mandatory before any of the following officers can assume their duties:

• Officers occupying command positions in the CF (COs and Superior Commanders); and
• Officers to whom powers of trial and punishment have been delegated by a CO (Delegated Officers);

HOW DO I BECOME CERTIFIED?

Refer to the Presiding Officer Certification Training (POCT) page for detailed instructions on how to obtain your POCT certification.

WHAT IS IT?

A process designed to ensure that all Superior Commanders, COs and Delegated Officers remain knowledgeable about their roles in the military justice system (at the summary trial level), and remain competent to perform their duties in the administration of the Code of Service Discipline.

• The presiding officer re-certification process serves to renew the POCT qualification for a further four (4) year period.

WHO REQUIRES IT?

• Every Superior Commander, Commanding Officer, or Delegated Officer:
• who is already POCT certified; and
• whose four (4) year POCT certification is about to expire;

must re-certify.

HOW DO I RE-CERTIFY?

There are two ways to re-certify as a Presiding Officer:

• Pass the online Presiding Officer Re-certification Test (PORT); or
• Re-attend the two-day POCT training course.

WHAT IS IT?

The LOAC course is intended to familiarize CF members with international law and treaties such as the Hague Conventions and Geneva Conventions, dealing with such issues as the lawful conduct of hostilities and the proper treatment of the sick and wounded, civilians, detainees and prisoners of war during times of conflict as well as during peacetime.

WHO REQUIRES IT?

Officers and Non-Commissioned Members in the rank of Warrant Officer and above are strongly encouraged to obtain this qualification.

HOW DO I TAKE THE COURSE?

Please contact the Directorate of Law/Training for further information on how to obtain the LOAC qualification.