ALPHA (SCOTTISH) COMPANY 2/17 RNSWR
	THE COMPANY	THE SOLDIERS	RECRUITING

Welcome to Alpha Company, 2/17 RNSWR

Alpha Company is located in Pymble, just 5 minutes walk from Pymble Railway station. Alpha Company is a very active sub unit with our soldiers regularly attending Tuesday night training and weekends. We have many university and TAFE students and professionals from all walks of life. Amongst our ranks are engineers, tradesmen, school teachers, postmen, accountants, labourers, IT professionals, policemen working in an environment that is not segregated by class or occupation.

Our training exposes our soldiers to opportunities beyond those of our civil occupations. For example over thirty soldiers and officers of the Company spent nearly four months training in Malaysia in November 2000 – February 2001. Our Tuesday night training is exciting, involving rock climbing, water activities, weapons handling and shooting. Having historical links to Scottish Regiments of the past, Alpha Company soldiers always look resplendent on parade wearing kilts and Scottish regalia. We attract the attention of the public through ceremonial activities throughout the year. These are enjoyable as they enable the Company to socialise with war veterans and their families, which enhances our current role.

The Soldiers’ Mess is very active. Recent functions have included toga parties, formal ceremonial Army dinners, twenty-first birthday celebrations and ye olde goode Aussie pub Nights.

Of course, it’s not all beer and skittles. Our training is physically arduous and often psychologically challenging. This strenuous training environment forges strong friendships and a sense of camaraderie that is rarely experienced outside of a military environment. You have to be fit and prepared to extend yourself, but the benefits are very real. Our soldiers return to their families and civilian work place with added confidence, initiative, and new strength of character, having overcome the challenges and tests of military training.