ISTANBUL, Turkey — Hearts raced and lungs fought for more air as competitors pushed their bodies to the limit – crossing the finish line covered in sweat, bodies hurting like hell. But they had survived.

The scene was repeated again and again as teams of reservists from 17 countries raced against time to finish a NATO standard obstacle course, part of the three-day Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers Military Competition (CIOR Milcomp).

The CIOR Milcomp was established in 1957 as an internationally recognized event that focusses on a range of skills such as pistol and rifle shooting, land and water obstacle courses, and orienteering, offering combat effectiveness training to reservists from across NATO and its partners.

Current Milcomp chair Major Ian Webster, a Royal Engineer with Headquarters 2 (South East) Brigade who is serving as deputy joint regional liaison officer, joined the UK team in 1983 and remembers his first event with great fondness. It was the beginning of his 17 years of continuous involvement comprising service as UK coach, team manager, international secretary and chairman. “It was an incredible experience and a challenge,” says Maj Webster. “It was my first contact with foreign forces and a very steep learning curve as I watched a Norwegian team shoot, run, swim and navigate faster than I thought possible.”

Although the Milcomp has developed over the years, Maj Webster feels it has changed little in principle – to bring allies together and test a range of military skills in a competitive and fair environment. “The weapons and practices may have changed; courses may have been standardized,” Maj Webster says, “competitors may be tested on first aid and law of armed conflict. However, that basic principle survives.”

The Milcomp typically attracts about 200 competitors from close to 20 nations. This year’s event saw 49 teams of three compete in novice, experienced, female and international categories. Maj Webster says Milcomp is the oldest military competition of its type, and has endured because of its link to CIOR and its relevance and fairness. The scoring of the competition places emphasis on shooting, then navigation and finally the explosive obstacle runs.

The competition tests all of the key elements of fitness and military skills. “Those who reach the top are the best," Maj Webster says, "and, for that reason, every competitor respects those who achieve victory, and aspires to match their standard.”

While Maj Webster will be stepping down as chair in 2009, he sees a bright future for CIOR and Milcomp. “As long as Milcomp continues to develop, to be relevant to modern military needs, then the basic principle will prevail,” he says. “Being part of the CIOR family and providing a range of services for the Reserve Forces will ensure that Milcomp and CIOR will exist for a long time.”

The training and knowledge competitors get out of this type of international competition is invaluable. Sergeant Steven Sheffar, of 4th Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, London, Ont., feels the competition is a great opportunity for reservists. He is attending his first CIOR congress and Milcomp, and is happy to have been chosen to compete and represent Canada. “My biggest challenge,” he says, "has been, when you’re training day in and day out, trying to avoid injuries – knowing your limits and staying within them, but still continuing to train effectively as possible.”

Sgt Sheffar will take away not only the great physical and mental training he has received, but also more tangible things. “As a sergeant in the infantry, teaching shooting is a very large part of it, so having the ability to improve those skills is important,” he says. “Being taught by some of the best shooters in Canada, and being able to take those skills I learned back to my unit, is great.”

Maj Webster agrees. “If I was ever mobilized with one of my foreign allies, who had competed in Milcomp," he says, "I would feel immediately confident because I would know that his or her standards of fitness and military skills were second to none. That confidence and trust is priceless.”

Sgt Sheffar sets his iPod to shuffle, ignores everyone and gets into a zone, all in the name of finishing the course from Hell.

Author: Cheryl MacLeod, Maple Leaf Magazine, 6 August 08