CIOR - Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers

26/02/2026

A New Chapter for Reserve Integration in NATO

During CIOR’s 2026 Mid-Winter Meeting in Norfolk, Virginia, CIOR President Colonel (R) Jørn Buø and Brigadier General Overmaat, Chair of the NATO Committee on Reserves (NCR), formally signed the termination of the historic Memorandum of Understanding between CIOR and NATO.

This is not a separation — it is a milestone.

CIOR is now formally integrated into NATO’s new Policy on Reserves as part of the Advocacy Reserve Organisations (ARO), alongside CIOMR and CISOR. Within this framework, CIOR has been entrusted with coordinating the activities of the ARO, ensuring strong collaboration and a unified voice in support of NATO’s objectives.

Why this matters

The NATOPolicy on Reserves, approved in 2024, represents a significant evolution in how the Alliance views and employs Reserve Forces. Reservists are no longer seen as supplementary assets, but as essential contributors to deterrence, resilience, and innovation.

The policy highlights the role of reserves in:
• Strengthening strategic communications and public trust
• Enhancing operational flexibility through dual military-civilian expertise
• Supporting whole-of-society defence and workforce sustainability

CIOR’s role going forward

As the coordinating platform of the ARO, CIOR’s mission is now directly aligned with NATO’s strategic framework. From advising on reserve structures to supporting interoperability, civil-military cooperation, and resilience initiatives, our responsibility has grown alongside our integration.

This step reinforces a shared direction: closer coordination, stronger dialogue, and better alignment between NATO institutions and national reserve forces.

One policy. One direction. One collective commitment.

20/02/2026

CIOR at the Munich Security Conference

During a side event of the Munich Security Conference, organized by the German Reservist Association and moderated by Col. Sensburg, CIOR President Jørn Buø addressed a key question for Europe’s future: what role do reservists play in today’s security environment?

His message was clear: reservists are not a backup force — they are a strategic asset.

In a world shaped by hybrid threats and rapid technological change, reservists bring something unique. They connect military structures with civilian expertise — especially in areas such as AI, cyber, and emerging technologies. They strengthen societal resilience and contribute to a modern Total Defence approach. And beyond readiness, they reinforce democratic cohesion across our nations.

Defending Europe is not only about capabilities. It is about coordination, innovation, and people who bridge both worlds.

Reservists do exactly that.

12/02/2026

In Memoriam: Brigadier General Walter G. “Gibby” Vartan, USAF (Ret.)

17 July 1932 – 8 February 2026
CIOR mourns the passing of Brig. Gen. Walter G. “Gibby” Vartan, USAF (Ret.), who died peacefully at home on Sunday, 8 February 2026, following a multi-year battle with Parkinson’s disease.

A proud Chicago native, General Vartan was commissioned in 1954 through Air Force ROTC, pursued advanced studies in management, and fulfilled his lifelong ambition to fly by earning his Air Force wings. Over a distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, he rose to Brigadier General, including eight years augmenting the Pentagon staff, before retiring from uniformed service in 1989.

General Vartan’s legacy is equally defined by his commitment to reserve service and international cooperation. He served the CIOR - Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers as Secretary General from 1992 to 1994, supporting the Confederation’s work to strengthen ties among reserve officers across NATO and partner nations and to advance interoperability through professional exchange and collaboration. His tenure as Secretary General reflected a deep belief that reservists - grounded in both civilian expertise and military duty -are a vital bridge between Allied societies and collective defence.

Within the U.S. reserve community, General Vartan provided decades of volunteer leadership through Reserve Organization of America(ROA), serving in numerous capacities and ultimately as National President. He remained a committed advocate for reservists and for sustained engagement between national reserve associations and CIOR, helping to keep international cooperation practical, people-focused, and enduring.

CIOR extends its sincere condolences to Mrs. Jane Vartan and the entire Vartan family. General Vartan will be remembered for steady leadership, generous mentorship, and a lifelong dedication to strengthening reserve forces through friendship, professionalism, and allied partnership.

Optional: Condolences and notes of sympathy may be sent to:
Jane Vartan
2758 Manu Ct
Glenview, IL 60026-1077

03/02/2026

As NATO continues to adapt for the future, the role of Reservists is taking center stage — not just as additional forces, but as strategic enablers of resilience, innovation, and civil-military cooperation.

At last week’s high-level meetings in Norfolk, Virginia, CIOR joined forces with our partner organizations CIOMR and CISOR, alongside NATO’s Committee on Reserves (NCR) and NATO - Allied Command Transformation (ACT), to shape the future of reserve integration across the Alliance.

These conversations are more than just updates — they’re about building real interoperability and aligning our diverse national reserve forces with shared NATO goals.

CIOR was proud to contribute directly to these discussions, bringing the voice of reservists from across 30 nations to the table. Together, we are ensuring that reservists are recognized not only as a support force, but as a vital link between NATO’s strategic direction and the societies we serve.

Learn more about NATO ACT’s work with the reserve community:
https://www.act.nato.int/article/ncr-support-alliance-transformation/

As NATO looks to generate usable capability faster and in greater volume, Reservists are becoming an indispensable part of the Alliance’s force structure, supporting deterrence, defence, and long-term resilience. The strength of reserve forces lies in a dual role. They bring civilian expertise into the military domain, strengthening the link between defence plans and the societies that support them.

As NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Transformation General Aurelio Colagrande stressed, “We need to move forward with speed and at scale and the Reservists can bring NATO dual credibility that is uniquely valuable to civil-military cooperation.”

Learn more about how NATO - Allied Command Transformation (ACT) welcomed the NATO Committee on the Reserves in Norfolk, where discussions underscored that reserves are not just extra trained forces, but a vital bridge between NATO’s military objectives and the societies that sustain resilience: https://www.act.nato.int/article/ncr-support-alliance-transformation/
CIOR - Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers
CIOMR

28/01/2026

We are in Norfolk, Virginia in the United States — home of NATO Allied Command Transformation — for the CIOR Mid-Winter Meeting.

Alongside our partners at CIOMR, CISOR, NATO Committee on Reserves (NCR), and NATO - Allied Command Transformation (ACT), we’re spending this week working together to define how reservists can best support a safer, more resilient Alliance.

Why does this matter?

Because open dialogue across the Alliance, built on coordination and mutual understanding between institutions and reserve forces, is what enables true collective readiness and peace

CIOR proudly serves as the coordinating body of NATO Advocacy Reserve Organisations, and this meeting is about building trust, sharing expertise, and strengthening partnerships to meet today’s security challenges — together.

05/01/2026

From language training and cyber defense to symposiums and international events, our reservists showed what service means — in uniform and beyond.

As we look ahead to 2026, CIOR sends you its warmest wishes for strength, unity, and peace.

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De la formation linguistique à la cyberdéfense, des symposiums aux événements internationaux, nos réservistes ont démontré ce que signifie servir — en uniforme et au-delà.

À l’aube de 2026, la CIOR vous adresse ses meilleurs vœux de force, d’unité et de paix.

26/12/2025

A special guest made a surprise appearance during our formation… 🎅

At CIOR, we believe in unity, friendship, and service — values that carry us through all seasons.

This holiday, we salute the men and women who serve around the world and the spirit of cooperation that brings us together.

11/12/2025

CIOR Member Organizations Present to European Parliament Representatives

Two CIOR member organizations recently had the opportunity to present their work and perspectives to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), alongside other voluntary defence organizations from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland.

This engagement provided a valuable platform to highlight the essential role of reservists in strengthening societal resilience, national defence, and transatlantic security. It also demonstrated the strong cooperation among NATO and partner nations in developing effective, interoperable reserve forces.

By sharing national experiences and best practices, CIOR members continue to contribute to a more integrated and resilient Euro-Atlantic community. Such dialogues reinforce the importance of voluntary defence organizations in supporting collective security and enhancing public understanding of the reserve contribution to NATO’s deterrence and defence posture.

Together, we are stronger. Together, we are ready.

19/11/2025

💻 VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ALERT!🌍

The UK CIOMR delegation is happy to announce the British Tri-Service Medical Reserves Conference is going ONLINE!

Theme: LSCO (Large-Scale Combat Operations) through the lens of lethality - a worldwide view.

🗓️ When: 22 November 2025 (0845 GMT start)
📍 Where: Online (Virtual Event!) - link sent on confirmation of Partner force status)
👤 Who: Open to ALL RANKS Reservists across the UK Armed Forces and INTERNATIONAL Armed forces (til 15:45 GMT)

Why Attend?

* Hear from Maj Gen Marc Overton (ACDS Reserves & Cadets).
* Gain strategic perspectives on threats and challenges across the Indo-Pacific, High Arctic, and the Middle East.
* Learn about Medical Capabilities updates from the British Army, RAF, and Navy (Maritime Role 3).
* Explore the impact of Next-Generation Warfare (Drones).

Secure your spot! Talk to your Chain of Command and register now via the link provided below!

https://forms.office.com/e/AxVYpugagc

Questions? Let us know in the comments

17/11/2025

Join us for the International Cyber Event 2025 — CIOR’s flagship online cyber event!

📅 When: November 29, 2025 | 🕛 12:00–16:00 CET
📍 Where: Online
🔗 Register now: https://cior.net/ice2025

This year’s International Cyber Event (ICE 2025) tackles a game-changing topic:
“AI and Cyber: Reshaping the Battlefield”

This isn’t just another webinar — it’s a unique opportunity to hear from top-tier civilian and military experts on how Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way we defend, attack, and operate in the digital domain.

What to expect:
• Insights from the front lines in Ukraine
• NATO CCDCOE findings from the “Crossed Swords” cyber exercise
• Geopolitical impact of AI from King’s College London
• Real-world cyber threat analysis from Recorded Future
• FIMI and disinformation campaigns with former NATO experts

Speakers include:
Serhii Khariuk, Dr. Tim Stevens, Peter H., John William Dall, Lauri Vasankari, Megan Keeling & Franky Saegerman.

Whether you’re a reservist, active military, defense analyst, or cyber specialist — this event is for you.

Let’s explore how AI is reshaping the future of defense, together.

We look forward to seeing you online!

20/10/2025

📍CIOR Symposium 2025 | Madrid

This summer, over 300 reservists, experts, and military leaders from 25 countries came together in Spain to talk about NATO and the South — and how we deal with the threats and opportunities in that region.

Held at Universidad Francisco de Vitoria and moderated by Maj. Dr. Lasconjarias, this was one of the highlights of our Summer Congress.

Experts from Portugal, Italy, Denmark, France, and beyond shared insights on how NATO partners can engage the South more effectively — not just militarily, but also through diplomacy, civil-military cooperation, and development.

It was a powerful week of discussions, learning, and strategy — and it’s only the beginning.

A huge thank you to all the speakers, organizers, and our Spanish hosts for making it possible!

This was also part of a bigger CIOR program, which included CIMEX, CIOMR medical exchanges, the Young Reserve Officers (YROW) program, and our Language Academy (CLA) in Stockholm.

27/08/2025

🌍 CIOR Summer Congress 2025 – A Look Back at an Exceptional Week in Madrid 🇪🇸

From July 28 to August 1, reservists, experts, and leaders from across NATO and partner nations came together in Madrid for the CIOR Summer Congress 2025 — a cornerstone of our annual calendar and a celebration of cooperation, innovation, and shared values.

🔹 What happened in Madrid?

• Strategic committee work and high-level policy discussions
• A powerful CIMEX civil-military cooperation exercise in Toledo
• Cutting-edge medical exchange through CIOMR sessions
• Energetic engagement from future leaders in the Young Reserve Officers (YRO) program
• Language training and testing through the CLA
• Meaningful cross-cultural dialogue and a memorable gala evening

While the event may be over, its impact carries on — through the ideas shared, partnerships forged, and content we’ll continue to showcase in the months ahead.

👏 Thank you to the Spanish hosts Federación de Organizaciones de Reservistas de España - FORE, the CIOR Presidency, and all participants for making this Summer Congress a success.

📸 See more from the event using