MAS has vacancies

Keeping it cool: Sgt Stan Bowen, MAS team,and WO2 Peter Hill, artificer vehicle with Secdet, work on an ASLAV cooling unit in the MEAO.

By Capt Damian Melvaine

THE Maintenance Advisory Service (MAS) Secretariat has vacant posted positions in all states for veh mech, fit armt, radio mech, TES (G), and fit elec from the rank of sergeant to WO1.

MAS has three inspection teams – based in Darwin, Brisbane and Sydney – requiring the support of equipment specialists to supplement full-time members in the conduct of unit reviews.

MAS not only travels throughout Australia, but also deploys in support of operations. During 2004, it deployed a reinforced team to the MEAO, providing both a forward repair capacity and the traditional equipment inspection function. A similar deployment is scheduled for this year.

The advisory service is interested in members’ trade skills and is willing to pay for their time. Reserve members posted into MAS are allocated up to 150 ARTDs.

Normally members will be allocated to one of the teams in a home location or state, but if MAS doesn’t have the trade coverage in the area, and members are available, MAS will fly them from Brisbane to Perth if necessary. All travel, accommodation and ongoing allowances and expenses are funded by DTR-A.

Standby reserve members who do not wish to be posted into a unit but would like to be involved can be brought on strength by virtue of a DA 50 contract to complete specific MAS tasks.

Reservists who wish to remain with their parent unit but would like to be involved on an “as required basis”, can also be employed. The MAS Secretariat will liaise with members’ units and gain the necessary approvals. Reservists interested in becoming part of a MAS team on an enduring or casual basis should contact the MAS Secretariat via their chain of command.
MAS offers a real opportunity for members to retain their trade skills while providing a valuable service to Army and other land materiel users.

Being a member of a MAS team provides a valuable insight into the procedures and conduct of a MAS unit review.

Members can pass on this knowledge to their units to provide a solid foundation in unit maintenance procedures.

Members interested in participating, or requiring further information should contact the MAS Secretariat, TO4 MAS Jeff Bruhn ((03) 9282 3575 or 0419 148068; Fax: (03) 9282 7405; or mailing address:MAS Secretariat, DTR-A, DPM – 3 Defence Plaza Melbourne, 661 Bourke St, Melbourne Vic 3000.