Media Advisory/Canadian to Lead World's Largest Military Reserve Officer Organization

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(CCNMatthews - June 28, 2006) - On 8 July in Italy, Edmonton-born naval reservist Captain (Navy) Carman McNary will become President of the world's largest military reserve officer organization.

The Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers, commonly referred to by its French acronym CIOR, is an independent organization representing over 1.3 million reservists across 34 participating nations. The organization aims to promote knowledge and understanding related to the employment of reserve forces and to develop the interests of reserve officers in an international environment, while promoting solidarity and interoperability within the Atlantic Alliance.

In addition to supporting NATO by providing advice on reserve issues and promoting cooperation amongst nations, the Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers fosters the professional development of reserve officers through a variety of annual programs. These include its highly competitive Military Pentathlon, a winter seminar and summer symposium focusing on issues relevant to NATO, and a week-long workshop for young reserve officers. CIOR also supports NATO's outreach initiatives through its ongoing Partnership for Peace program in addition to CIOR's Language Academy, which provides French and English language training to NATO's partner nations.

CIOR delegates meet twice a year - in the summer and winter - working through committees that examine issues and provide analysis relating to Reserve forces. Typical issues of interest include the contribution of reserve forces to international operations, the re-integration of reservists within their respective communities following deployment abroad, the law of armed conflict, the impact of NATO expansion on the reserves, and employer support to reservists.

The upcoming Canadian leadership of CIOR will coincide with two other high-profile Canadian leadership positions within the NATO Alliance. On 6 July, Maj.-Gen. Herb Petras will become Chair of NATO's influential National Reserve Forces Committee (NRFC), while Canadian General Ray Henault continues to serve as NATO's top military officer, chairing its Military Committee.

Note to editors: Capt(N) McNary's tenure as President of CIOR will take effect on 8 July during CIOR's summer congress in Viterbo, Italy. He will be available for interviews from Italy on Thursday, 6 July. General Henault and Maj.-Gen. Petras will also be available for interviews on 6 July.

It would be preferable to coordinate requests for interviews or further information prior to the CIOR Presidency's departure for Italy on 30 June.

For further information or to book interviews, please contact Major Lynne Chaloux, Public Affairs Officer at (613) 220-8984 until 9 July.

To book interviews after 10 July, please call Capt Dave Meister at (204) 833-2500, ext. 5524.

Media organizations are also encouraged to have their international correspondents cover these and other congress events in Viterbo, 100 km north of Rome.

CIOR congress information is available at CIOR.net.