Bosses watch staff in action
TOWNSVILLE-BASED Australian Army Reserve soldiers have showcased their jungle combat skills to their civilian employers during Exercise Boss Lift 2019 in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
The mostly Queensland contingent of 19 employers were flown into 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.
Queensland Police Service Deputy Commissioner for Crime, Counter Terrorism and Specialist Operations Steve Gollschewski said it was impressive.
“The thing that really impressed me was the culture and professionalism of the Army Reserve — particularly their approach to safety, support for learning and encouragement for everyone to be the best they can be,” Mr Gollschewski said. “They are very professional and they have a great sense of teamwork and commitment to their people.”
The participants were given an insight into military life, jungle survival, firearms and equipment demonstrations and an opportunity to participate in live fire weapon activity with their Reserve employees.
Mr Gollschewski said seeing a number of Queensland Police Service employees in action in Malaysia and the new skills being taught on deployment demonstrated to him how this would be of value upon their return to work.
“I had the chance to spend some time with a number of our employees and it was great to see first-hand the confidence and teamwork that they will bring back to the Queensland Police Service,” he said.
The Army Reserve plays an increasingly important role as part of Army’s total force to provide capability to the Aus- tralian Defence Force. Reservists continue to provide support to Army’s international engagement and operational deployments.
“Participating in Exercise Boss Lift has enabled me to learn a lot more about the role Reservists play in the Australian Defence Force and it reaffirmed to me that they are critical to the Army’s overall capability,” Mr Gollschewski said.
“Employees who are Army Reservists add considerable value to the wider Queensland Police Service.
“We have had a long and proud history of having Army Reservists in our ranks and we remain very committed to that going forward.
“The life skills, sense of team and leadership qualities Reservists bring back to the workforce is invaluable.”
Exercise Boss Lift 2019 was conducted between January and February.