The current Milcomp Chair and Secretary decided to test their fitness and military skills in the demanding Dutch event the Two-day Military Performance Trials (TMPT) at Hartskamp on the 19 and 20 May 2009.
The TMPT takes a unique approach to military events as it is an award for achieving a set standard. This standard has been modified over the events 61 years to ensure it remains a true test for entrants and to receive the award teams must complete each day in less than 10 hrs. This year the event attracted the maximum 250 two person teams.
On day 1 Lt Col Hammer and Major Webster mountain biked 85km navigating to 5 tests. Each test has a standard and if teams fail to achieve the standard they must complete a penalty run. The first challenge was an aerial rope course, followed by a military assault course, kayak, speed march and 9km orienteering event. All of these challenges where completed within the prescribed times (therefore no penalty runs) and the team finished the day in 8hrs 10mins.
Day 2 was a much closer finish as Lt Col Hammer and Major Webster marched 25km then mountain biked 55km map reading to 4 final tests. The first was shooting where the team picked up its first penalty, scoring only 15 out of 20 hits (1 below the required 16). The consequence was a 2km penalty run before biking to the next tests of range estimation, another speed march and grenade throwing. The final tests were completed within the standard and the team returned with a less of a cushion and only 45mins to spare.
This was Major Webster’s first TMPT however Lt Col Hammer is a seasoned competitor as this was his 9th successful completion of the event. Major Webster told CIOR that he and Martin had worked very well together in demanding circumstances. Ian added “the event also provided a much needed physical fix for us both as we strive to maintain our fitness against the rising tide of age!“
Other elements of CIOR were represented from Germany with 1LT Chris Behnke (YROW), CPT Johan Lock (CIOMR) and a few Milcomp competitors warming up for Sofia.
Those achieving the standard are awarded an official Dutch military medal, the TMPT Cross. This year Col (R) Lettinga, head of the Dutch organising committee, awarded the TMPT Cross to the successful teams at the official closing ceremony.
