22 Wing sends team to Netherlands for International March

Air Force Public Affairs
News Release

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22 Wing will be sending an 11 member team to take part in the 91st edition of the Four Days Marches (Vierdaagse) being held in Nijmegen, Netherlands 17-20 July 2007.

The Four-days Marches were first established in the early 1900’s by the Dutch King as a means to promote leadership, stamina, and teamwork within the Dutch Army. Since then, these marches have broadened to include civilians and grown in numbers such that approximately 43,000 marchers from 50 countries participate.

Canada's involvement in this event dates back to 1952 and has since been dubbed Op NIJMEGEN. Today, regular and reserve force members complete the 160-km (4x40-km) march in combat dress carrying a rucksack with a minimum ballast of 10-kg. Participants, selected from all ranks, trades, environments and provinces, represent the breadth of the CF and reflect national diversity.

North Bay is one of four air force teams chosen CF wide to participate in Op NIJMEGEN. This privilege has not come about since 1999. In total, 15 teams, a limited number of independent marchers, and a small support staff will form the Canadian Contingent tasked to carry out Op NIJMEGEN under the direction of Canadian Expeditionary Force Command.

A total of 38 contenders have signed up for the team, hoping to be part of the final 11 personnel to be selected. The minimum standard for Op NIJMEGEN is the successful completion of a 500 km training program in addition to two consecutive 40 km marches. Both of these requirements are to be completed no later than 15 June and have been well underway.

22 Wing’s training has neared peak-intensity, with individual marches reaching lengths exceeding 36 km three time a week. The final qualification test will take place in the North Bay area 11-12 June when members will embark on the 40 km x 2 march.

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