The paper introduces the Norwegian defence (NoD) Advanced distributed learning (ADL) Regulations published early in 2006. After many years of "lawlessness" regarding development and implementation of training, simulation and e-learning defined as ADL, NoD ADL Centre (NoDADLC) was given a task to determine and develop regulations that would release benefits such as reusability, durability, interoperability, affordability and accessibility of all national defence ADL courses.

The time was long overdue to determine national standards and regulations on how to develop and implement ADL within the Norwegian Defence. Up to early 2005 NoD implemented ADL courses that only played on one system, had none or very low reusability, had no lifetime plan, are were not searchable and retrievable. The ADL regulations addresses specific issues such as the use of training need analysis (TNA), technical standards (SCORM, LMS), pedagogical standards and an implementation method. All of these standards and regulations are determined so that all NoD courses for instance can be published directly on the national defence LMS.

Based on the evaluation during the spring 2006 the paper discusses how the regulations are received among the target group in the Norwegian armed forces and the practical use of the regulations. The questions is does the directive give good and long demanded regulations and guidance or does it just create disturbance which is to no benefit for the Norwegian Defence and their ADL developers and users?