Army lawyers conduct training in Czech Republic

By Brandon BeachJuly 29, 2014

Army lawyers conduct training in Czech Republic
Soldiers from the Czech Republic Military pose with instructors from the Newport, R.I.-based Defense Institute of International Legal Studies, at Manes Air Base, Czech Republic, during mil-to-mil training on humanitarian law in June. The three-person... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

NAMEST AIR BASE, Czech Republic (July 29, 2014) -- A small team of U.S. military lawyers, representing the Newport, R.I.-based Defense Institute of International Legal Studies, traveled to the Czech Republic June 7-14, to teach classes on humanitarian law to more than 60 Czech service members.

Lt. Col. Jeremy Robinson, a judge advocate officer in charge from the 21st Theater Sustainment Command's Belgian-based Northern Law Center joined two instructors, Capt. David Lee from the Defense Institute of International Legal Studies, or DIILS, and Lt. Col. Joseph Lore from the Stuttgart, Germany-based U.S. European Command, to conduct a series of training seminars here and at Prostejov Airfield, located approximately 150 miles southeast of Prague.

"DIILS helps countries set up or change their military justice system and build accountability and transparency into existing legal structures in order to combat corruption," said Robinson, a native of Lima, Ohio, who joined the 21st Theater Sustainment Command's Northern Law Center at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, Belgium, in June 2013. The 21st Theater Sustainment Command operates two additional law centers, in Kaiserslautern and Stuttgart, Germany.

Classes during the week centered on human rights and international humanitarian law. Robinson, specifically, taught three courses while at the two Czech locations including; "The Right Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment, "The International Law of Armed Conflict" and "Rules of Engagement."

The one message Robinson said he hopes all students take away from his classes is simply, "Soldiers should always comply with the law, because it distinguishes Soldiers from criminals."

Located on the Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, DIILS employs a staff of 30 legal professionals who work for the Department of Defense. The organization serves as the lead defense security cooperation resource for professional legal education, training and rule of law programs for international military and related civilians globally.

Related Links:

Army.mil: Europe News

21st Theater Sustainment Command

Defense Institute of International Legal Studies

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