Our People in WA
Alan Burrows - Craigie
Alan Burrows, a 22 year old electrician apprentice from Craigie, has put aside his sparky training for a while to spend four months in the sunny, tropical paradise of the Solomon Islands.
But rather than relaxing, Army Reservist Private Burrows has been part of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI).
A member of the Combined Task Force 635 (CTF635) of Operation ANODE, Alan deployed to the Solomon Islands as a part-time infantry rifleman and says that the last four months has been both a challenging and rewarding experience.
“It’s hard being away from family and friends, but it’s also been a great chance to get more fit, learn some new skills, and interact with a culture that’s completely different to back home.” said Alan.
This is not the first time that Alan has travelled overseas with the Army Reserve having completed 3 months previously in Butterworth, Malaysia training with the Rifle Company there.
“I completed a gap year with the 2nd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment during 2008/9 and from there decided to join the Army Reserve when the chance to train in Malaysia emerged.” Alan recalled
As an electrician apprentice, Alan has found that the different backgrounds within his Army Reserve unit back home has been a helpful way of meeting fellow tradies and labourers able to lend advice and assistance outside of work.
“Being that Perth is a strong labour based workforce, the Army Reserve has been great for meeting people from all different backgrounds at the unit and making a lot of mates.”
Alan will be returning to Australia in early December with the rest of the Perth-based 13 Brigade members after the unit’s fourth rotation to the Solomon Islands in four years and is looking forward to seeing his family and friends once more.