Released under the Official Information Act 1982
Defence Legal Services
DLS MINUTE 95/2021
8 Jul 21
SAB
JOINT MILITARY PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION: WEST POINT DEPARTMENT OF LAW
Reference
A.
Email M. Schmitt to DDLS dated 16 Feb 2021
B.
Minutes of Specialist Career Development Board of 22 Jun 21
C.
Regular Force Defence Legal Officers Career Progression Model dated 12 Apr 19
Purpose
1.
The purpose of this minute is to advise you of an opportunity recently brought to my
attention at Ref A by Professor Michael Schmitt, Frances Lieber Distinguished Scholar at the
US Military Academy, West Point. It is my view that this is an invaluable opportunity, and
will provide important knowledge and development for not only one of my team, but for the
NZDF. This opportunity was initially raised and discussed at Ref B, where it was directed it
be raised to the SAB.
Details of Offer
2.
The Lieber Institute is West Point’s ‘think tank’ on Law of Armed Conflict issues, it runs
regular workshops, publishes books and has a strong online presence. It is embedded in
West Point’s Department of Law.
3.
Recently the West Point Law School has hosted its first allied officer on a two-year tour
(from the UK Defence Force). That officer is on the faculty of the Law School and teaches,
researches, and works with the Institute. He is also completing a Masters-level degree
through Reading University under the supervision of Professor Schmitt. West Point consider
this placement to have been a success and are looking to offer it to other nations, including
NZ. Enclosed are the details of the UK arrangement for the posting, noting that each
arrangement would tailored to meet the needs of the country involved.
4.
West Point is highly supportive of hosting an officer from the NZDF –the new Dean of
the Academic Board, BG Reeves, was most recently the Head of the Department of Law, and
is supportive of this initiative.
Benefit to the NZDF
Posting to West Point Department of Law
Professor Schmitt is currently the Francis Lieber Distinguished Scholar, and, in Military and
International Law circles, he is widely recognised as a foremost expert in emerging areas of
law, including that related to cyber warfare and Space. In particular Professor Schmitt was
the director of the Tallinn Manual on the International Law Applicable to Cyber Warfare
Project, and has been involved in both the Manual of International Law Applicable to
Military Uses of Outer Space (MILAMOS) and the Woomera Manual on the International Law
1
Released under the Official Information Act 1982
Released under the Official Information Act 1982
