Top: Nine Network TV personality Sami Lukis is shown how to check a Steyr during her weekend with 5CSSB. Below: Sami Lukis had not fired a rifle or machine gun until she joined HQ Coy 5CSSB. Photos provided by 5CCSB

By Andy Anderson
WITH fitness and fingernails on the line, Nine Network Today Show star Sami Lukis recently weathered a weekend with an Army Reserve company in Sydney.

Sami’s mission was to spend two days with HQ Coy 5CSSB, to compile a magazine article on fitness.

She arrived with boyfriend, former Big Brother contestant Peter Timbs, in a black convertiblesports car looking a little out of place next to the Land Rovers and trucks at Banksmeadow Depot.

The Today Show weather presenter was measured up for cams, after meeting the officers and soldiers, and went through the standard medical assessment.

Her first real test came during the BFA at Holsworthy and although Sami struggled with push ups she still managed to pass her age group minimum of 15.

“The worst part was being beaten by a mother of two,” she said.

But the media personality who files fitness reports for the Today Show, breezed through the 2.4 km run in just over 10 minutes, finishing ahead of most Reservists.

Members of the Reserve company then gave Sami a brief introduction to military life, starting with the ration pack.

The popular TV personality is a vegetarian so some of the contents clearly weren’t appealing although she did enjoy the chocolate, tinned fruit and biscuits.

“This is like being on an international flight, except you get more choice.”

Sami was taught basic concealment and camouflage tactics, how to set up a hoochie and use a Steyr.

“It was the first time I’d fired a weapon, I felt a little nervous although it was only blanks – worst of all I broke a finger nail.”

Sami is writing about her Reserves experience for B magazine, which is expected to appear in an edition dedicated to fitness later this year.

“Physically it wasn’t as hard as I thought it might be but I don’t think I could do this on a full-time basis.”

Overall, the Nine Network star described her weekend as fantastic.

“I really got on well with the Reserve guys and girls, they were great, really welcoming.”

As for the broken fingernail, unfortunately there was nothing in the ration pack to fix it..

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