Training bonus
Volume 11, No. 57, November 30, 2006

Bring it on: The new High Readiness Reserve Training Scheme offers up to 12 months of continuous full-time service.

A NEW training scheme will provide reservists with the chance to meet ARA competency requirements and transfer to the High Readiness Reserve (HRR), which pays a $10,000 bonus after two years’ service.

The High Readiness Reserve Training Scheme (HRRTS) enables reservists to achieve the ARA rank and trade qualifications required for transfer to the HRR.

Comd 2 Div Maj-Gen Ian Flawith said the HRRTS offered an alternative avenue of entry into the HRR by providing a continuous full-time training (CFTS) option.

“The HRRTS offers selected ARes personnel up to 12 months of CFTS to achieve all necessary ARA competencies and to gain valuable on-the-job experience through service in an ARA unit prior to taking up a HRR position for two years,” Maj-Gen Flawith said.

He said the first round of HRRTS candidates would be signed up from February. Interested personnel should contact their CO through their chain of command.

“The scheme will be introduced gradually to Land Command and Special Operations Command with positions for 100 personnel available throughout 2007,” he said.

The HRRTS is aimed at two levels of entry: initial-entry soldiers, and potential SNCOs, JNCOs and junior officers. Initial entrants will have to complete the Army recruit course and relevant ARA initial employment training, as well as any necessary on-the-job experience while undertaking their CFTS. On completion of CFTS, soldiers will begin their two-year HRR service.

Serving ARes members seeking promotion courses to the rank of corporal, sergeant and warrant officer, as well as officers seeking promotion to lieutenant and captain, may also be eligible to undergo HRRTS if identified as suitable for HRR positions by their units.

Participants will be required to complete all ARA courses necessary for signing up to the identified HRR position while undertaking CFTS. They will also have the opportunity to gain experience through service in an ARA unit.