13^th Course on International Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC)
by the International Committee of Military Medicine (ICMM)
August 19 - 26, 2011 in Spiez, Switzerland.

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

Since 1999, Switzerland has had the honour of conducting this International Course on the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC). Switzerland's mandate to host this important conference was awarded by the International Committee for Military Medicine (ICMM). The aim of this special course is to familiarise officers of medical services of the armed and security forces with the rules and principles of LOAC. Specifically, it should demonstrate the dual obligation of officers and medical personnel with regard to their medical tasks in war and conflict and their particular responsibility to respect LOAC.

The last course attracted highly qualified and selected participants. It was a major success not only in the number of delegates but also in the quality of their performance. The course attracted 50 participants from 24 countries. More detailed information on this course will be published in the next edition of the International Review of the Armed Forces, Medical Services.

We have the pleasure of inviting generals, medical officers, young military doctors, civil servants and other personnel from military medical services to the 13^th International Course on LOAC, which will be held from August 19 to 26, 2011 in Spiez. The course is politically and confessional neutral and is open to all ICMM member States, the EAPC/PfP partner States and the MD-States.

Please find enclosed the preliminary notice and the application form for this year.
We look forward to welcome participants from your country.

Yours sincerely

Surgeon General, Swiss Armed Forces
Major General Andreas STETTBACHER, MD