Page 29 - Wish Stream Year of 2019

Malawi, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, UK and USA. OCdts Beeby (Inters), Trigg (Juniors), Williams (Seniors) had the honour of representing the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and the Brit- ish Army. They were accompanied by CSjt Jex RIFLES and the brilliant DIA academic Dr. Andy Melancon. Dr. Andy did a fantastic job preparing the Cadets through several intense sessions of LOAC training prior to the competition.
The week began with an initial phase of interac- tive lectures on various aspects of International Humanitarian Law (IHL); Cadets had the privi- lege of having the lectures conducted by colo- nels and generals from the US, South Africa and Austria. The practical phase began on Tuesday when the Scenario Background and initial prob- lems were handed out to all teams. This phase was conducted in the format of a simulated Joint Operations Center (JOC). Each team has to deal effectively with the reality of complex geopoliti- cal situations whilst at the same time conduct- ing an efficient military operation in accordance with the obligations of IHL. Teams were required to provide legal advice to an experienced JOC Leader in the presence of IHL experts who con- tinually evaluate the performance of the cadets both individually and as a team.
the working day had finished, treaties and con- ventions were put aside, and the week was facili- tated to encourage Cadets to embody the “Spirit of Sanremo” and engage in cultural evenings and dinner nights out in the beautiful Italian town.
The cultural evening itself was a particular high- light, with each academy given a table to deco- rate and showcase their home country. Amongst the plethora of treats was French cheese and
The JOC Leaders were all military
lawyers and legal advisers, each
with vast experience relevant to
escalating scenarios the teams
faced; as such they took great
pleasure in questioning and chal-
lenging each team on the various
problems that arose during the
exercise. The pressure sometimes
produced some rather amusing comments from some cadets. For instance, “Mechanised Infan- try – Is that like robots?”
The RMAS Cadets themselves performed to a very high standard within their teams and their separate JOCs. The judges and JOC Leaders commented on their presence, knowledge of LOAC and professionalism. Whilst the competi- tion may have appeared the main focus of the week, it was, however, very much more focused on providing future officers from across the globe the opportunity to meet, socialise, work together and to develop international networks and friendships which will serve all well as they move forward with their careers. Therefore, once
wine, matcha flavoured treats from Japan, fermented fish from Norway, Jägermeister courtesy of our Ger- man friends, and of course Pimm’s and a selection of cakes from the British contingent; Marmite was also snuck onto the table, which brought a daring line of global Cadets with it.
The whole week was an overwhelm- ing success and the unique experience was thoroughly enjoyed; the Cadets performed well, new friends were made and Sanremo became a fantastic memory. The entire team learnt a great deal about IHL and the application of LOAC, within a fictitious yet very real military operation. The Cadets would like to thank Dr. Andy Melan- con for her teaching and guidance in preparing the RMAS team and enabling them to compete at the exceptional event. A special thank you is extended to the Sandhurst Trust; their outstand- ing support enabled RMAS to put together a superb table for the cultural evening, something which clearly worked well and led to Sandhurst receiving a humbling cheer from all on the clos- ing ceremony. Thank you.
The whole week was an overwhelming success and
the unique experience...
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