Reservist Case Studies
Jonathan (Jono) Blackley
Army Reserve Combat Engineer
Army Reserve Combat Engineer
Working as a firefighter in the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service would be considered a demanding and action packed job by most and combine this with being an Army Reservist, it becomes a challenge.
For Corporal Jonathon Blackley it was all about keeping contact with the Service he loved and enjoyed while getting additional tax free pay.
“I transferred to the Army Reserve back in 2002,” Jono said.
“I originally joined the Army in 1996 as a Combat Engineer and transferred to the Emergency Response Squadron as a fire fighter within the Army.
“Really wanting to work as a civilian firefighter was why I left the full-time Service but I didn’t want to completely cut all ties with the Army so I elected to stay in the Reserves,” he said.
As a Combat Engineer, Jono’s trade entails everything from clearing mine fields to making roads, handling hazardous chemicals to manning vehicle check points.
“Being a Corporal I am qualified as a Section Commander able to lead a group of up to 13 personnel to do various engineering tasks,” Jono said.
“Combat engineers get to handle a lot of powerful equipment, like jack hammers and portable saw mills.
“We also purify water for personnel during exercises and operations, finding a suitable water source and then making it safe for use.
“There is plenty of training that goes with this, as you would imagine we need to ensure that we maintain our competencies in trade and rank,” he said.
The opportunity to do interesting and varied work that he doesn’t see in his civilian career is what keeps Jono interested and active in the Reserves.
“I get to do some really interesting and exciting things as a fiery,” Jono said.
“The Army Reserves offer opportunities like firing a weapon, and using explosives in demolitions training and so much more that you just don’t get to do, even in my job, in the civilian world.
“I would absolutely recommend Reserve service to anyone; it really is the part-time of your life,” he said.
If you are interested in finding out more about one of the approximately 200 different jobs available in the Navy, Army or Air Force Reserves, visit the Defencejobs website or call 13 19 01.
For Corporal Jonathon Blackley it was all about keeping contact with the Service he loved and enjoyed while getting additional tax free pay.
“I transferred to the Army Reserve back in 2002,” Jono said.
“I originally joined the Army in 1996 as a Combat Engineer and transferred to the Emergency Response Squadron as a fire fighter within the Army.
“Really wanting to work as a civilian firefighter was why I left the full-time Service but I didn’t want to completely cut all ties with the Army so I elected to stay in the Reserves,” he said.
As a Combat Engineer, Jono’s trade entails everything from clearing mine fields to making roads, handling hazardous chemicals to manning vehicle check points.
“Being a Corporal I am qualified as a Section Commander able to lead a group of up to 13 personnel to do various engineering tasks,” Jono said.
“Combat engineers get to handle a lot of powerful equipment, like jack hammers and portable saw mills.
“We also purify water for personnel during exercises and operations, finding a suitable water source and then making it safe for use.
“There is plenty of training that goes with this, as you would imagine we need to ensure that we maintain our competencies in trade and rank,” he said.
The opportunity to do interesting and varied work that he doesn’t see in his civilian career is what keeps Jono interested and active in the Reserves.
“I get to do some really interesting and exciting things as a fiery,” Jono said.
“The Army Reserves offer opportunities like firing a weapon, and using explosives in demolitions training and so much more that you just don’t get to do, even in my job, in the civilian world.
“I would absolutely recommend Reserve service to anyone; it really is the part-time of your life,” he said.
If you are interested in finding out more about one of the approximately 200 different jobs available in the Navy, Army or Air Force Reserves, visit the Defencejobs website or call 13 19 01.
