IN an effort to encourage employer support for the Australian Army Reserves, a group of WA employers visited Malaysia this week to view reservists in the field.
As part of Operation Boss Lift, 21 employers visited Rifle Company Butterworth – a force of about 120 Australian Army Reservists from Western Australia’s 13th Brigade –in Penang for three months participating in bilateral exercises.
For many of the employers it was an opportunity to see their employees working in the field.
Organisers hope the trip will not only highlight the importance of the Reserves in defending Australia’s interests, but also show the benefits the Reserve service brings back to the civilian workplace.
DRSC executive officer Marc McGowan said a greater reliance was being placed on the Reserves as the Australian Defence Force’s commitments increased.
“Reserves make up a significant proportion of the ADF – in fact, almost 40,000 Australians serve in the Defence Force Reserves,” he said.
“Our aim is to highlight the skills Reservists gain from being in the ADF and how those skills can benefit civilian employers.”
The reservists are in Malaysia to work with local soldiers and learn skills in weaponry, communications and navigation as well as local customs and the language.