Insight into Army Reserve

Bosses get a taste of combat in the jungle

A TOOWOOMBA employer is among a 19-strong contingent who travelled to Malaysia to see his employee and his fellow Australian Army Reserve soldiers showcase their jungle combat skills during Exercise Boss Lift 2019 in Johor Bahru.

The group flew to Malaysia on a C-17 Globemaster from RAAF Base Amberley to see their employees in action during a three-month training rotation to the historic Rifle Company Butterworth.

Boss Lift participant Stephen Samson, the founder and manager of Toowoomba firm Samsons ICT, said seeing the jungle combat training was a real eye-opener as an employer of an Army reservist.

The participants were given an insight into the military life of their reserve employees, including jungle survival, firearms and equipment demonstrations, and an opportunity to participate in live fire weapon activities.

Mr Samson said seeing his employee in action in Malaysia demonstrated how the new skills being taught on deployment would be of value upon their return to work in Australia.

“Our employee is a key part of our business, leading a team in the cabling division and as our chief estimator. Being in the Army Reserve has taught them about leadership but also about being humble, both very valuable skills to our business.

“Our company’s motto is ‘do it once, do it well and do it right,’ which is very similar to what I saw in Malaysia with how the Army Reserve operates,” Mr Samson said.

The Army Reserve plays an increasingly important role as part of Army’s total force to provide capability to the Australian Defence Force.

Reservists continue to provide support to the army’s international engagement and operational deployments around the world.

“I was impressed with how reservists are performing regular army tasks –- filling the need where they are required and doing the job well,” Mr Samson said.

Mr Samson said employees who were army reservists added considerable value to his business and to small businesses in general.

“Employees who are in the Army Reserve understand the chain of command. Having a reservist in the business has a positive effect on the work ethic of other employees.

“The Army Reserve is a great way for anyone to supplement their career.

“I will be speaking to other employers around Toowoomba to encourage their staff to consider joining the Army Reserve,” Mr Samson said.

Exercise Boss Lift 2019 was conducted between January 29 and February 4.

Photo: CPL Kyle Genner IN THE JUNGLE: Australian Army Reserve soldier Private Rodney Jurgs (left), from 11 Brigade, with his employer Stephen Samson, from Samsons ICT, at the Army Combat Training Centre Malaysia, during Exercise Boss Lift 2019.