Executives and small business owners from across southern Queensland, the ACT and New South Wales boarded a C-17A Globemaster III mid-January to experience the training their civilian employees undertake in the Army Reserve.

The Air Force C-17 of No 36 Squadron at RAAF Amberley flew the 19 bosses to Malaysia’s Butterworth Air Force Base as part of Exercise Boss Lift 2017.

Rear Admiral Bruce Kafer said ‘Boss Lift’ provided employers with a deeper understanding of the skills and capabilities that Reservists can bring back to the civilian workforce.

“We have more than 20,000 Defence Force Reservists who make a vital contribution to the Defence of Australia,” he said.

“The exercise helps employers see the value in releasing their staff for training and operational service, as a crucial role in the Reserve’s ability to deliver relevant capability to Defence.”

Police Sergeant Rob Stratton said while in Malaysia, he noticed a positive change in his Senior Constable Steven Brien who was serving with Rifle Company Butterworth as an Army Reservist. “Steven is not the same person I farewelled two months ago. I can sense his increased motivation and see the results of his Army training in leadership and teamwork,” Sergeant Stratton said.

“These skills will prove their value to the Police Force when he returns in March.”

Small business owner Wally Irving, Director of WKI Earth Moving Repairs was excited to visit his mechanic Bryan McFawn.

“When Bryan asked to take leave for three months of training, I was concerned about the impact his absence would have on the operations of my business as we have just three staff members,” Mr Irving said.

“Brian’s additional skills are of real value to my business, and I am proud to be involved in the Defence of Australia by supporting my Army Reserve employee.”

For more information and benefits to employers of the Defence Reserves visit www.defencereservesupport.gov.au or call 1800 803 485.