The UNICOMP took place over the first weekend of November in the Aldershot Training Areas and saw 72 competitors from 13 units taking part. It had several purposes, allowing university military units to have their own competition, constituting the first pre-season training session for seasoned CIOR MILCOMP competitors, and providing a selection platform for novices to the military pentathlon with an opportunity to present themselves for consideration for inclusion in the UK’s MILCOMP team at the competition in August 09 in Sofia, Bulgaria, as well.

UNICOMP follows a similar format to MILCOMP in that URNUs, UOTCs and UASs compete against each other in military skills and fitness over the course of a weekend. Activities include pistol and rifle shooting, land and water obstacle courses, and military navigation (orienteering). The challenging events were met enthusiastically and with dedication by everyone, including the females, even if some events were harder than initially thought.

In the male category Northumberland University Officer Training Corps (UOTC) were winners, snatching victory from Bristol UOTC. Manchester and Salford UOTC were third. The female category went to Northumberland UOTC who were consistent in all disciplines. Second place went to Bristol UOTC and third to Manchester & Salford UOTC. The top three places in exactly the same positions were matched by both male and female Units.

The top 5 results and full list of units who participated were as follows:

	Competition Placings
Competing University Units	Male	Female
Birmingham UAS
Birmingham UOTC	5	5
Bristol UOTC	2	2
Bristol URNU
East Midlands UOTC
Exeter UOTC
London UOTC
Manchester & Salford UOTC	3	3
Northumberland UOTC	1	1
Northumbria UAS	4
Queens UOTC
Southampton URNU		4
Yorkshire UAS

Of those presenting themselves for scrutiny, 45 were deemed suitable for further training for MILCOMP and have been invited to Aldershot to train with the existing squad one weekend a month and for a period of continuous training at Easter. Selection weekends will take place in April and May prior to team training in June and competition familiarisation training in July. 

For the individual, UNICOMP and MILCOMP provide significant opportunities for personal development in basic military skills, leadership, courage and physical fitness. To the Unit, the individual brings much-improved standards and proof of high levels of commitment. If you are a member of a university military unit or in the reserve forces (any rank/rate) and would like to participate in the UNICOMP in Autumn 09 or put yourself forward for selection for MILCOMP, contact the Secretariat at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.