The International Mönchengladbach Military Skills Competition (IMM) sees its 27th anniversary in June and there is still time for units to submit entries.  Any unit, including TA units, can take part in this very challenging and popular multi-national event, which requires brains, brawn and fitness in equal measure.  The organisers are particularly keen to recruit more female teams to the competition, which is taking place on Saturday 14 June in the JHQ and Mönchengladbach area.  In addition, this year the event is followed in the evening by the NATO Music Festival in Borussia Park.

There are a number of prizes up for grabs, including 1st, 2nd and 3rd places overall, best mixed team, best female team, best mixed-NATO team and a special prize for the “IMM Iron Fighter” for winning the assault course at the end of the competition.  As the field in the ladies competition is likely to be narrower, any units thinking of entering an all-female will have a very good shot at winning the ladies’ cup.

Organised by the Bundeswehr Military Regional Command 31 and run by the Reservists, the IMM comprises a wide range of skills like shooting, marching, navigation, military vehicle and equipment recognition, first aid and a rubber dinghy race.  It is expected that, once again, 40 to 50 teams from more than ten NATO nations will take part in the event, which is supported by the Technisches Hilfswerk (technical emergency corps), the fire service and the Red Cross.  Launched in 1984, the competition is open to both active and reserve members of the Bundeswehr and other NATO forces and aims to promote and enhance the links and the co-operation between different NATO forces.
In his foreword to the event programme, COMARRC, Lt Gen Sir Richard Shirreff said that combined training is a way of promoting commonality and cooperation between the different national armed forces.  “This extremely well organised event is the perfect arena to demonstrate the broad range of skills on which we all rely as soldiers.  Competitions such as this one further our comprehension of our respective cultures and backgrounds and we learn to understand what it is that makes us different.  It is on operations like ISAF that the bonds of friendship, Alliance and commonality in training pay dividend.” 

The IMM will start in JHQ and culminates with the prize giving ceremony in Borussia Park, the home of Borussia Mönchengladbach football team.  This year the event coincides with the NATO Music Festival, which is also celebrating reaching its quarter century and will take place immediately after the IMM in Borussia Park from 8pm.  Every other year since 1960, Mönchengladbach has hosted guests from all over the world at this festival of military music.  The proceeds are traditionally donated to charity and so far almost half a million euros has been raised for UNHCR.  As well as British and German bands, there will also be appearances by bands from Norway, Austria and Tunisia.  Competitors in the IMM are encouraged to invite friends and family to stay for the music festival after the prize giving, for what promises to be a varied an entertaining programme.  Tickets start from €13 and are available from all CTS-eventim box offices or www.eventim.de. 

Information for Competitors:
The competition starts at 0700, with teams setting off in six-minute intervals, and finishes at 1700.  Competitors will start in teams of four, in either male, female or mixed teams.  The composition of a team can be multinational.  The organisers will team up single applicants.  Uniform must be worn according to participants' national regulations and should reflect weather conditions - all other necessary equipment will be provided at the relevant stations during the competition.

Teams will be informed of their starting number/time following their application (to be confirmed on arrival at the event).  Accommodation for Friday/Saturday and Saturday/Sunday is available but limited and reservations must be indicated on the application form.  The participants should bring sleeping bags.  The participation fee amounts to EUR 28 per team to be paid on arrival.  Breakfast, lunch and beverages will be provided during the event on Saturday.

Entry Forms Available Here.