[2] CIOR is sanctioned and formally recognized by NATO through document MC 0248/2 to assist and advise on reserve affairs, however, it is politically independent.

The confederation promotes and organizes advanced training measures, international seminars, and working meetings for reserve officers.

Over time, other countries were gradually added: Luxembourg (1952), Denmark (1956), Greece (1956), the United States (1958), Italy (1960), Germany (1961), Great Britain (1963), Canada (1964), Norway (1966), Spain (1992), and Estonia (1999).

CIOR’s mission is to forge links between reservists and NATO[3] military authorities; to encourage the establishment and proliferation of ties among Reserve officers from participating countries; and to encourage those nations to offer reservists similar duties, rights, equitable training, and mobilization obligations, while respecting their differences and national traditions.

The CIOR meets at least twice a year – in the summer and winter – and they work through committees that examine issues and provide analysis relating to reserve forces.

The members of the delegation work before and during the congresses in the CIOR committees Defence Attitudes and Security Issues (DEFSEC), Civil-military co-operation (CIMIC), Strategic Communication (STRATCOM), Military Competitions (MILCOMP), Legal, Outreach, Seminar and the Young Reserve Officers Committee (YROC) with content and technical contributions from their national delegation.

CIOR also directly contributes to NATO's goals by promoting and enhancing cooperation and interoperability amongst reserve forces within the Alliance and its partners.

The committee’s research work involves gathering, analysing, and disseminating information for the use of NATO, ministries of defence and other political decision makers.

DEFSEC aims to study defence and security issues in a relevant and results-oriented manner to contribute to the policy development that takes place at the level of NATO’s Military Committee.

DEFSEC’s future initiatives will explore innovative ways for the Reserve community to form strategic partnerships with our evolving stakeholders in the corporate and academic world, as well as continuing to develop our relationship with NATO and their respective Ministries of Defence.

More than 180 Reserve Officers from CIOR and guest nations compete in this major event, normally held at a military installation, open to competitors from all ranks, male or female.

This MILCOMP Committee works with the Summer Congress host nation to ensure that this event takes place in accordance with internationally recognized regulations of competition.

Participating in the seminar greatly assists officers’ professional development by providing a unique and challenging exposure to topical issues.

The intent under the provisions of the CIOR Constitution and By Laws is to analyse current defence, political and security issues by experts of diverse backgrounds including military officers, diplomats, and academics from various countries.

A Workshop takes place each summer at the CIOR Summer Congress and includes professional and social events in which junior officers interact with each other and with senior officers from CIOR participating nations, which includes the Reserve Senior Leadership participating in NATO’s National Reserve Forces Committee.

Once or twice a year, Seminars, a smaller, more intimate version of the Workshop, are organized regionally to provide nations a lower cost and introductory venue for their young officers.

Additionally, the Workshop includes a practical exercise and the presentation of a formal paper on a relevant theme based on issues of importance to NATO.

YRO delegates are placed into multinational syndicates, allowing for free flow discussions, which enable the participants to develop close working relationships and an understanding of different national perspectives.

The DALs stay engaged and up to date in current affairs while continuing to maintain their friendships and sharing camaraderie with other international officers.

CIOR is an organization committed to professional development, and it provides a variety of high-calibre and cost-effective programs that benefit individual reservists, their member nations, and NATO as a whole.

Established in 1957, it is an internationally recognized competition that is focused on military skills that truly challenge the leadership and physical robustness of reservists from across NATO and its partners.

It is highly relevant to deployed operations as it trains and tests real warrior skills that officers need to master for success on the current battlefield (physical fitness, teamwork, land navigation, marksmanship, combat first aid, and Law of Armed Conflict).

The intent is to provide up to date information on the chosen theme via a series of briefings and presentations by military officers, diplomats, and academics from various countries.

The overriding principles of CIMEX are: Demonstrating civil-military liaison skills; Collaboration and Information-sharing on emerging NATO challenges; Promoting best practices and professional development within in the CIMIC community.

The Young Reserve Officers Workshop (YROW) participants also attend the Symposium as part of their program to enhance their career development.