STATUTORY RULES
1921. No. 73.
REGULATIONS UNDER THE DEFENCE ACT 1903-1918.
I, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby make the following Regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1918, to come into operation forthwith.
Dated this sixth day of April, 1921.
FORSTER,
Governor-General.
By His Excellency’s Command,
G. F. PEARCE,
Minister of State for Defence.
The Australian Military Regulations 1916.
Amendments.
1. The following division and regulation is inserted immediately after regulation 52:—
“Division 3a, Australian Instructional Corps.”
52a.(1) The Australian Instructional Corps shall consist of such members of the Permanent Military Forces as are appointed or transferred to or enlisted in that corps and of members of the instructional staff appointed instructors under the provisions of section 21a of the Act.
(2) For purposes of discipline the Commanding Officer of members of the Australian Instructional Corps shall be, in respect of—
(a) members serving under the command of an officer commanding any unit or corps of the Permanent Military Forces—the officer commanding,
(b) members allotted for duty with the head-quarters of a cavalry or infantry division or with staffs or units of divisional troops not forming part of a cavalry or infantry brigade or a mixed brigade—the Instructional Group Commander of the division,
(c) members allotted for duty with the Military Forces or Senior Cadets within the command of a mixed brigade —the Instructional Group Commander of the mixed brigade,
(d) members allotted for duty with the Military Forces or Senior Cadets within the command of a cavalry or infantry brigade—the Brigade-Major of the brigade,
(e) members serving under the command of the Commandant of the Royal Military College or a District Base Commandant—the commandant of the Royal Military College or the District Base Commandant as the case may be,
(f) members allotted for duty or attending for instruction, at the Special School of Instruction established under section 21b. of the Act, the School of Musketry or the School, of Gunnery—the Chief Instructor of the School,
(g) other members—the Adjutant-General or the Deputy Adjutant-General if appointed for that purpose by the Adjutant-General.
(3) There shall be one seniority list for officers and one for other ranks of the Australian Instructional Corps.
The heading “Division 3a” immediately preceding regulation 53 is amended to be “Division 3b.”
In regulations 48, 49 and 50 the words “Administrative and Instructional Staff” are deleted wherever occurring and the words “Australian Instructional Corps” are substituted, in each instance.
In paragraph (c) of regulation 168 the words “Australian Instructional Corps” are substituted for the words “Instructional Staff.”
In sub-regulations (1), (2) and (3) of regulation 173 the words “Australian Instructional Corps” are substituted for the words “Instructional Staff” wherever occurring.
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 were enacted in 1921 by the Governor-General in Council, under the authority of the Defence Act 1903-1918. These regulations were introduced to address the need for a more organised and structured approach to military training and instructional duties within the Australian Defence Force. The policy objective, as stated in the text, is to ensure that the Australian Instructional Corps has clearly defined lines of command and discipline, which is essential for effective military training and operations. The Regulations establish the Australian Instructional Corps, outlining the command structure and responsibilities for different categories of personnel within this corps, ensuring a streamlined approach to military instruction and administration.
Scope and Application
The Australian Military Regulations 1916, as amended by Statutory Rules 1921. No. 73, establish specific provisions governing the Australian Instructional Corps, which includes members of the Permanent Military Forces appointed or enlisted in this corps and instructors appointed under the Defence Act 1903-1918. These regulations delineate the command structure for disciplinary purposes, specifying the commanding officers for different categories of corps members, ranging from those under unit commands to those at special instructional schools. The regulations also clarify the composition of the Australian Instructional Corps, establishing a unified seniority list for officers and other ranks within the corps. By substituting references to "Australian Instructional Corps" for "Instructional Staff" in several regulations, the amendments streamline the administrative framework and clarify roles and responsibilities within the military instructional structure. These regulations apply to all members of the Australian Instructional Corps and are part of the broader legislative framework under the Defence Act 1903-1918, operating within the Commonwealth of Australia.
Key Provisions
The Australian Military Regulations 1916, amended by Statutory Rules 1921 No. 73, introduce significant changes to the structure and command of the Australian Instructional Corps (AIC). Regulation 52a establishes the composition of the AIC, specifying that it includes members of the Permanent Military Forces appointed or enlisted in the corps, as well as members of the instructional staff appointed under section 21a of the Defence Act 1903-1918. Regulation 52a(2) delineates the command structure for the AIC, assigning specific commanding officers based on the members' roles and duties. For instance, members serving under an officer commanding a unit or corps of the Permanent Military Forces will be commanded by that officer, while those assigned to the Instructional Group of a division will be commanded by the Instructional Group Commander of that division. Similarly, members assigned to mixed brigades or specific schools will be under the command of the Brigade-Major, the Instructional Group Commander of the mixed brigade, or the Chief Instructor of the relevant school, respectively. Other members will fall under the command of the Adjutant-General or the Deputy Adjutant-General, as appointed by the Adjutant-General.
These amendments impose clear obligations on the parties involved. The AIC members must adhere to the command structure outlined in the regulations, ensuring that they report to the appropriate commanding officer based on their specific roles and duties. The commanding officers, in turn, are responsible for maintaining discipline and ensuring that the AIC members fulfill their duties effectively. The regulations also establish a single seniority list for officers and another for other ranks within the AIC, streamlining the hierarchy and ensuring consistency in rank and seniority across the corps.
Failure to comply with the provisions of these regulations may result in disciplinary action and potential penalties under the Defence Act 1903-1918. Although the specific penalties for breaches of these regulations are not detailed in the statutory rules, violations of the Defence Act generally can lead to both criminal and civil consequences, including fines and imprisonment for serious offences. The exact penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as any relevant provisions within the Defence Act or other applicable laws.