Some say that special planning is not necessary for some trips, because “the way” is the objective. However, even after determining the way ahead, most trips usually requires time to plan the route, schedule and equipment – not to mention the need to regularly check weather forecasts to avoid surprises.

LCol Norbert Staeblein and his 15 colleagues, including admirals, generals and other experienced reserve officers with the DEFSEC Committee, have started planning the way ahead towards the symposium at the 2008 CIOR congress to be held in Istanbul, Turkey.

Taking one step at a time, they are building the symposium based on a theme – that of achieving, maintaining and enhancing employer support for the reserves. The goal of the symposium is to increase awareness among employers of the value of reserve training.

The DEFSEC committee is the think-tank of CIOR, according to Staeblein, and is working on solutions to the challenges in this area.

“Company management may not be amused when their employees switch from business dress to military uniform,” he said. “However, reservists receive significant leadership, management and communications training during military exercises – training that a company would have to pay thousands of euros for if contracted externally.

The 2008 symposium in Istanbul will focus on employer-support issues and the challenges faced by reservists with work commitments in both the military and civilian worlds.