This Order brings into force on 1st October 2001 the provisions of the Armed Forces Act 2001 referred to in article 2.

Among those provisions, Part 1 of Schedule 6 clarifies the application of protective provisions of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992 (anonymity for victims where there is an allegation or accusation of certain offences) to certain offences under the legislation governing the armed forces. Part 1 also extends those provisions to certain offences under armed forces legislation committed outside England and Wales. Under article 3(1) of this Order Part 1 does not apply where the allegation or accusation is made before 1st October 2001.

Paragraphs 37 and 38 of Schedule 6 restrict the circumstances in which evidence given to Boards of Inquiry of the armed forces is admissible in certain armed forces disciplinary proceedings. Under article 3(2) of this Order paragraphs 37 and 38 do not apply in relation to proceedings which have begun before 1st October 2001.