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Fighting the Home Front

Examine when, why and how the ADF can be used within Australia. Explore the legal foundations of military call-outs, historical and contemporary cases and emerging challenges through practitioner-led discussion and scenario-based exercises.

Next Dates: 11 Mar; View more dates
Duration: 1 day
Delivery mode: In-person
Location: UNSW Canberra City

Price (AUD inc. GST): $1,130
Spots remaining: Available
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Course summary

Understanding ADF call-outs in domestic security

From natural disasters and pandemics to terrorism and critical infrastructure threats, domestic security challenges can require military support. Designed for professionals across government, defence, law enforcement, intelligence and emergency management, this course builds practical understanding of the complex considerations surrounding ADF call-outs.

Who will benefit

Military rank of O5-O6 or APS EL1-EL2.

Course is suitable for

Course is intended for a target military rank of O5-O6 or APS EL1-EL2.

Delivered by experts

Dr Samuel White

FRHistS

Dr Samuel White FRHistS is the Scientia Senior Lecturer in Military Law and War Studies at UNSW Canberra, based within the Australian Defence Force Academy. He joined UNSW Canberra in 2026 after a period as a Visiting Fellow whilst working at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Alongside his academic pursuits, Samuel has actively served as both a Royal Australian Infantry Corps and an Australian Army Legal Corps officer in a variety of tactical, operational and strategic level postings.
Dr Samuel White entered academia as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Adelaide Law School, where he completed his PhD on some constitutional aspects of the Royal Prerogative in Australia – specifically, whether constitutional executive power extended to deployments of Federal troops into States, without State consent. For this topic, he was appointed a 2025 Fellow of the National Library of Australia, and later as a 2026 Resident Fellow at Columbia Law School’s National Security Law program, funded by an American Australian Association Veteran Scholarship.

Professor Ian Langford DSC and Bars

DSC & Bars

Brigadier (Ret'd) Professor Ian Langford DSC & Bars leads Burran Consultancy and serves as Executive Director of the Security and Defence PLuS Alliance at UNSW. A former Australian Army officer with over 30 years of service, he commanded the 2nd Commando Regiment and multiple Special Operations Task Groups in Afghanistan, Iraq, and on counter-terrorism operations.

About the course

Understanding ADF Domestic Operations

When can the ADF be used within Australia, and what limits apply? This one-day course examines the constitutional, statutory and executive foundations of domestic military operations, including Part IIIAAA of the Defence Act 1903. Through historical examples, contemporary cases and practical exercises, participants examine when military support is lawful, appropriate and effective.

Why enrol in this course

Understand Australia's evolving security environment

Gain a clear understanding of the historical, legal and strategic foundations of Australia's national defence, and how they shape responses to contemporary threats.

Develop practical decision-making skills

Work through real-world case studies on issues such as foreign interference, disinformation, defence supply chains and domestic security, applying concepts to realistic policy and operational challenges.

Learn from leading experts

Engage with academics and practitioners specialising in national security, military history, law and strategy, gaining insights that bridge theory, policy and practice.

Key features

Contemporary, scenario-based learning

Interactive case studies, group discussions and practical exercises focused on today's complex security environment.

Interdisciplinary approach

Combines history, law, strategy and public policy to provide a comprehensive understanding of Australia's national defence framework.

Designed for government and security professionals

Tailored for Defence, government, law enforcement and industry personnel seeking practical knowledge applicable to national security and resilience.

Learning outcomes

Understand the legal foundations of call-outs 

Gain a clear and structured understanding of the constitutional, statutory, and executive bases for deploying the ADF domestically, including Part IIIAAA, the defence power, and the concept of “domestic violence” under s 119 of the Constitution.

Analyse operational models of domestic military use 

Examine how the ADF is employed in practice across different scenarios, including counterterrorism, disaster response, and critical infrastructure protection, and the distinctions between support and enforcement roles.

Identify emerging trends in domestic operations

Understand how evolving threats (hybrid activity, cyber incidents, grey-zone coercion) are reshaping expectations around ADF domestic use, including pressure points in current legal frameworks.

Assess implications for Australian governance and security 

Develop frameworks to evaluate when and how military force should be used within Australia, including questions of federal–state relations, legitimacy, escalation risk, and long-term institutional consequences.

What you'll learn

Participants will leave with a practical framework for navigating the difficult decisions that arise when military capability is used at home. The course builds confidence in recognising legal and operational boundaries, testing assumptions, and advising decision-makers where established rules, emerging threats and operational necessity intersect. 