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Switching to a regular career
By Cpl Mike McSweeney

Edition 1167, May 31, 2007
 
Signing up: Ptes Robert Waters, Rhys Simmons and John Sippel, answer the call of duty and officially transfer to the ARA during a ceremony at 25/49RQR.
Photo by Cpl Mike McSweeney
NINETEEN Queensland-based soldiers have transferred to the ARA following recent operational experience in the Solomon Islands.

Pte Robert Waters said that in addition to career prospects, he transferred because on operations he “loved the fact you’re helping another country and they appreciate it”.

CO 25/49RQR Lt-Col Rowan Martin said he was happy for the soldiers to change over.

“One of my measures of success as a battalion commander is the number of people I transfer to the ARA,” Lt-Col Martin said.

At a special breakfast at Enoggera on May 16, 25/49RQR presented certificates of appreciation to employers for their support.

Lt-Col Martin a positive engagement with soldier’s employers was one of the reasons the recent deployment on Op Anode was a success.

“In order to have an effective soldier who has a genuine will to serve, they need to have that happy family and happy employer behind them,” he said.

Area Manager for training company MEGT Allan Pressick said losing a valued employee such as Andrew McDougall was tough on the company, but he was pleased with Army’s support.

“The whole office keenly followed his activities through photos and DVDs from the Army,” he said.

Lt-Col Martin, who wrote to all next-of-kin and employers while deployed, said the treatment of families and employers would determine the likelihood of reservists deploying again.

“It’s not this first one, it’s the subsequent deployments which are the tricky ones,” he said.

“Because reservists can vote with their feet, there is a need to promote and protect the soldiers who will to serve.

“You do that by providing interesting training; good administration of soldiers, which incorporates the Employer Support Plan; by providing opportunities for deployment; for progression within Army Reserve; and making it as fun as you can,” he said.

“Nationally, part of the preparation for deployment of any Reserve force must include your PR plan, your welfare plan and your employer support plan. It takes a lot of effort, but it pays off.”