STATUTORY RULES.
1917. No. 206.
REGULATION UNDER THE DEFENCE ACT 1903-1915.
I, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby make the following Regulation under the Defence Act 1903-1915, to come into operation forthwith.
Dated this 22nd day of August, 1917.
R. M. FERGUSON,
Governor-General.
By His Excellency’s Command,
G. F. PEARCE,
Minister of State for Defence.
The Australian Military Regulations 1916, dated, 28th July, 1916 (Statutory Rules 1916, No. 166) are amended by inserting after Regulation 1215 the following new Regulation 1215a:—
1215a. (1) It is provided by Section 133 of the Act that—
“At the termination of each annual training in the Senior Cadets and Citizen Forces, each member shall be classified by the officer appointed in that behalf as ‘efficient’ or ‘non-efficient.’ Those who are classified as non-efficient, either for failure to attend during the prescribed period, or because they have not attained a sufficient standard of efficiency, shall be required to attend an equivalent additional training for each year in which they are non-efficient.”
(2) Members of the Senior Cadets or the Citizen Forces liable for training under Part XII. of the Act who at the termination of any year of training have been classified as “non-efficient” owing to failure to attend during the prescribed period may attend in subsequent years in addition to the annual training for such years, additional training equivalent to the training in which they are deficient for the year for which they have been classified “non-efficient”; and after the performance of such additional equivalent training the Board appointed to determine the efficiency for the current year shall consider such additional training and may then classify such persons as “efficient” for the year for which they had been classified as “non-efficient” and the officer appointed under Section 133 of the Act may enter such classification in the authorized form: provided however that no person shall so be classified as ‘‘efficient’’ who failed to attend the prescribed period of continuous training during the year for which he was classified ‘‘non-efficient’’ except he shall have attended additional continuous training equivalent to any continuous training which he failed to attend. Commanding Officers will be responsible for insuring that the necessary arrangements are made for full opportunity being given to members of their command to attend the additional equivalent training.
(3) In cases where members of the Senior Cadets or Citizen Forces have at the termination of any year of training been classified as “non-efficient” through failure to attain a sufficient
C.10315.—Price 3d.
standard of efficiency, but have attended for the prescribed period of that year, and have been classified as “efficient” for a year subsequent to that year, the Board appointed to determine efficiency may at the time of the latter classification classify such persons as “efficient” for the previous year or years for which they have been classified as “non-efficient,” provided that the standard of efficiency of the latest year shall be equal to the standard required from persons who have served the same number of years that those whose cases are under consideration have served, and the officer appointed under Section 133 of the Act may enter such classification in the prescribed form.
(4) Members of the Citizen Forces shall not be subsequently classified “efficient” as in paragraphs 2 and 3 above unless they shall have completed the prescribed musketry course for the year for which they were originally classified as ‘‘non-efficient’’ should such year have been during the period of training in the Citizen Forces.
(5) Persons liable for training under Part XII. of the Act who have, at the termination of any year of training, been classified as “Non-efficient” and have not subsequently been classified as “efficient,” will on reaching the year in which they attain the age of 25 years be required to undergo as many additional annual trainings as the number of entries of ‘‘non-efficient’’ then recorded against them, together with such further similar entries as may be recorded after such additional trainings.
(6) Paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 of this Regulation will take effect as from the 1st July, 1912.”
Printed and Published for the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia by Albert J. Mullett, Government Printer for the State of Victoria.
Overview
The Australian Military Regulations 1916, enacted in 1916, were amended by Statutory Rules 1917, No. 206 under the Defence Act 1903-1915. This legislation was introduced to address the issue of members of the Senior Cadets and Citizen Forces being classified as 'non-efficient' due to either failure to attend the prescribed training period or not meeting the required standard of efficiency. The regulation aimed to ensure that members who were classified as 'non-efficient' had the opportunity to attend additional training to meet the required standards, thereby improving their efficiency classification and ensuring they could contribute effectively to the military. The regulation was made by the Governor-General in Council, with the policy objective of enhancing the readiness and efficiency of the military forces by providing additional training opportunities to those who did not meet the initial standards.
Scope and Application
The Australian Military Regulations 1916, amended by Statutory Rules 1917, No. 206, pertain specifically to members of the Senior Cadets and Citizen Forces who are liable for training under Part XII of the Defence Act 1903-1915. These regulations govern the classification of members as either 'efficient' or 'non-efficient' at the conclusion of their annual training, and the subsequent requirements for those classified as 'non-efficient'. Such members are mandated to undertake additional training to achieve the required standard of efficiency, with oversight provided by the Board appointed to determine efficiency and the officer designated under Section 133 of the Act. The regulations also stipulate that members must complete a prescribed musketry course for classification as 'efficient' and detail the ongoing training obligations for those who remain 'non-efficient' past a certain age. These regulations apply nationally, as they are made under Commonwealth authority, and they extend their reach to all members of the Senior Cadets and Citizen Forces throughout the country.
Key Provisions
The Australian Military Regulations 1916 have been amended by inserting a new Regulation 1215a under the Defence Act 1903-1915. This regulation primarily concerns the classification of members of the Senior Cadets and Citizen Forces at the end of each annual training period, as well as the requirements and processes for those classified as "non-efficient." Specifically, Regulation 1215a(1) mandates that each member must be classified as either "efficient" or "non-efficient" by an appointed officer. Those classified as "non-efficient" due to either non-attendance or insufficient efficiency must undergo additional training in subsequent years to compensate for their deficiencies. Regulation 1215a(2) further details that members who were classified as "non-efficient" due to non-attendance can participate in additional training to make up for the missed sessions, after which a board may reclassify them as "efficient" if they meet the required standard. However, they must have attended the additional continuous training equivalent to what they missed. Regulation 1215a(3) addresses cases where members were classified as "non-efficient" due to insufficient efficiency but attended the prescribed training period. If these members are later classified as "efficient," the board may reclassify them as "efficient" for the previous years if they meet the required standard of efficiency for their years of service. Regulation 1215a(4) stipulates that members of the Citizen Forces must complete the required musketry course to be subsequently classified as "efficient" for the year they were originally classified as "non-efficient." Finally, Regulation 1215a(5) states that members who remain classified as "non-efficient" by age 25 must undergo additional annual trainings equivalent to the number of "non-efficient" classifications they have accrued.
The obligations imposed by this regulation on the parties it governs are substantial. Members of the Senior Cadets and Citizen Forces must ensure they attend all prescribed training sessions and meet the required standards of efficiency to avoid being classified as "non-efficient." Commanding Officers are responsible for ensuring that all members have the opportunity to attend any additional training required to achieve an "efficient" classification. Additionally, members must complete any additional training sessions mandated by their "non-efficient" classification, and Citizen Forces members must complete the requisite musketry course to be eligible for reclassification. These obligations are crucial for maintaining the effectiveness and readiness of the forces.
The regulation also outlines the consequences for non-compliance with these requirements. Although specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the text provided, it is implied that failure to meet the training requirements and standards could result in continued "non-efficient" classification, which could have implications for service continuity and progression. For instance, those who fail to complete additional training sessions may remain classified as "non-efficient" and could face further training obligations as they age. Additionally, not completing the required musketry course for Citizen Forces members could prevent them from being reclassified as "efficient," impacting their service status and potential career advancement.