QLD
Exercise Executive Stretch (EES) is centrally conducted twice yearly in Queensland; once in South East Queensland in the first half of the year, and once in North Queensland in the second half.
Participants are required to make themselves available from Friday evening until Sunday mid-afternoon for these EES. Call 1800 803 485 to nominate or download the
online nomination form
.
Employer has one of her best work days with Defence Reserves Support!
Participants are required to make themselves available from Friday evening until Sunday mid-afternoon for these EES. Call 1800 803 485 to nominate or download the
online nomination form
.
Employer has one of her best work days with Defence Reserves Support!
By Flying Officer Julia Ravell
The Prince Charles Hospital’s Critical Care Nursing Director, Mary Wheeldon, didn’t survive her F-111 mission at RAAF Base Amberley.
Hosted by Defence Reserves Support Council members and No. 23 (City of Brisbane) Squadron Commanding Officer Squadron Leader Brady Cummins, Exercise Executive Stretch participants included local builders, aerospace industry bosses, Queensland Health managers, Queensland Fire and Rescue Service officers and Queensland Police supervisors.
In addition to the low level Caribou flight featuring unique views of Brisbane through an open aircraft tailgate, participants gained an overview of aircraft maintenance, a ride in the state of the art F-111 flight simulator, lunch in the Officers’ Mess and a demonstration of flight line fire and rescue techniques.
“My simulated mission in the F-111 was a once in a lifetime experience,” Mary said.
“I felt privileged to be given a rare opportunity to experience how the military trains its pilots.”
The day at RAAF Amberley was also an opportunity for Mary to appreciate the training received by The Prince Charles Hospital’s Clinical Nurse Consultant Stephen Callaway in his role as a Reservist attached to the base’s Medical section.
“Stephen’s Air Force training has given him skills in areas such as advanced resuscitation and workplace health and safety. This training supports greatly his job in the Emergency Department of the hospital,” Mary said.
“Skills such as these are very transferable to civilian workplaces and they add immense value to civilian employees.”
SQNLDR Cummins said employers were also given the opportunity to take part in shooting exercises at Amberley’s weapons training facility.
“They actually weren’t putting any bullets down range as such – it’s an electronic range where they are well-supervised. Some of them proved to be rather good shots,” Squadron Leader Cummins said.
“Then they had the rare privilege of flying home in a C17 at the end of the day. These are the latest and the biggest aircraft in the RAAF with unrivalled capacity to move personnel and materiel.”
RAAF Amberley employs more than 500 Reservists in roles ranging from drivers and aircraft maintainers to pilots and flight trainers.
Exercise Executive Stretch is an annual event. For details on how to be involved or more information about Defence Reserves Support call 1800 803 485 or visit www.defence.gov.au/reserves
click here to watch a short video of the day .wmv (2mb)
The Prince Charles Hospital’s Critical Care Nursing Director, Mary Wheeldon, didn’t survive her F-111 mission at RAAF Base Amberley.
Mary’s simulated bomber aircraft was shot down somewhere between base and Mt Flinders but the 47-year-old resident of McDowall is still alive to tell the story of a day with the Air Force Reserve that she describes as “one of the best working days I’ve had in the last decade”.
Mary was one of 23 employers from South East Queensland flown to RAAF Amberley last week in a 38 Squadron Caribou aircraft for a first hand look at Defence Reserves Support in action.
Hosted by Defence Reserves Support Council members and No. 23 (City of Brisbane) Squadron Commanding Officer Squadron Leader Brady Cummins, Exercise Executive Stretch participants included local builders, aerospace industry bosses, Queensland Health managers, Queensland Fire and Rescue Service officers and Queensland Police supervisors.
In addition to the low level Caribou flight featuring unique views of Brisbane through an open aircraft tailgate, participants gained an overview of aircraft maintenance, a ride in the state of the art F-111 flight simulator, lunch in the Officers’ Mess and a demonstration of flight line fire and rescue techniques.
“My simulated mission in the F-111 was a once in a lifetime experience,” Mary said.
“I felt privileged to be given a rare opportunity to experience how the military trains its pilots.”
The day at RAAF Amberley was also an opportunity for Mary to appreciate the training received by The Prince Charles Hospital’s Clinical Nurse Consultant Stephen Callaway in his role as a Reservist attached to the base’s Medical section.
“Stephen’s Air Force training has given him skills in areas such as advanced resuscitation and workplace health and safety. This training supports greatly his job in the Emergency Department of the hospital,” Mary said.
“Skills such as these are very transferable to civilian workplaces and they add immense value to civilian employees.”
SQNLDR Cummins said employers were also given the opportunity to take part in shooting exercises at Amberley’s weapons training facility.
“They actually weren’t putting any bullets down range as such – it’s an electronic range where they are well-supervised. Some of them proved to be rather good shots,” Squadron Leader Cummins said.
“Then they had the rare privilege of flying home in a C17 at the end of the day. These are the latest and the biggest aircraft in the RAAF with unrivalled capacity to move personnel and materiel.”
RAAF Amberley employs more than 500 Reservists in roles ranging from drivers and aircraft maintainers to pilots and flight trainers.
Exercise Executive Stretch is an annual event. For details on how to be involved or more information about Defence Reserves Support call 1800 803 485 or visit www.defence.gov.au/reserves
click here to watch a short video of the day .wmv (2mb)
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Exercise Executive Stretch, North Queensland - May 07
"I would like to thank you for a most wonderful Exercise Executive Stretch weekend! What an amazing experience to see firsthand what our Reservist do and how they do it. The weekend had such a great balance! On the one hand we had to eat from a “rat pack” and on the other hand we were provided with an amazing feast the Saturday night! We had to make our own bed, but were provided dorms to sleep in. We had to do the obstacle course, but they provided a wonderful encouraging instructor to assist us. We had to jump in a cold bear pit, but had a warm shower afterwards. The staff was firm, but also friendly and kind. It was wonderful to “play” with the latest military innovations. It was amazing to experience a PT lesson. And if all of this is not enough, we got the most beautiful presents! I cannot express my thanks in words. This was really an unforgettable experience done with utmost professionalism. Please be assured of my full support for the Reserves!"
"I would like to thank you for a most wonderful Exercise Executive Stretch weekend! What an amazing experience to see firsthand what our Reservist do and how they do it. The weekend had such a great balance! On the one hand we had to eat from a “rat pack” and on the other hand we were provided with an amazing feast the Saturday night! We had to make our own bed, but were provided dorms to sleep in. We had to do the obstacle course, but they provided a wonderful encouraging instructor to assist us. We had to jump in a cold bear pit, but had a warm shower afterwards. The staff was firm, but also friendly and kind. It was wonderful to “play” with the latest military innovations. It was amazing to experience a PT lesson. And if all of this is not enough, we got the most beautiful presents! I cannot express my thanks in words. This was really an unforgettable experience done with utmost professionalism. Please be assured of my full support for the Reserves!"
Marius Strydom of Townsville City Council
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Civilian Employers Experience Reserve Service
Business owners and managers who employ RAAF Reservists recently spent a day at RAAF Amberley, near Brisbane, discovering the benefits of their employee’s Reserve service.
Exercise Executive Stretch is an annual event organised by the Defence Reserves Support Council (DRSC).
This event gives business executives the opportunity to observe and experience the personal, technical and professional skills training their employees receive as a Reserve Member of the ADF.
A total of eighteen employers from a range of public sector and private organisations took part in the one day exercise.
These business ranged is size from Airservices Australia that employs over 3000 people to Kelvin Oldham Fascia and Guttering that employs five people.
Other organisations that employ reservists and were included in the exercise were: Education Queensland, Marathon Tyres, QLD Department of Transport, Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School, Powerlink, W A Cromarty & Co, Braintree Communications, Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, AQIS, Dean Kath Kohler Solicitors, Qantas, Qld Police Service, Queensland Corrective Services and Teachers’ Union Health.
The day’s activities included a low level flight in a Caribou aircraft from Brisbane airport to Amberley, an overview of aircraft maintenance at 38 SQN, weapons handling at the weapons simulator, and participation in a ground combat exercise.
Lunch consisted of a standard issue ration pack and a lesson on how to prepare the food from one of the 23 SQN Air Defence Guards.
Squadron Leader Brady Cummins, Commanding Officer of 23 SQN , said the exercise allowed employers to see first-hand how Reserve training activities can directly benefit their businesses.
"Exercise Executive Stretch demonstrates how the unique professional, leadership and career development skills taught in the ADF can be transferred in the day-to-day workplace.
Our aim is to highlight the skills Reservists gain from being in the ADF and how those skills can benefit civilian employers. Furthermore we want to encourage employers to use the resources and financial support available to them through programmes like the Employer Support Payment and the Prince of Wales Award Schemes," he said.
Mr Michael O’Grady, a senior manager within Powerlink said: “I did not realise the variety of jobs available to young people with different interests in the ADF Reserves. There is something for everyone.
At my work I have spoken to a number of staff and advised them of the opportunities and skills that can be obtained by joining the ADF Reserves”.
Ian Grace, an Inspector with the Queensland Police Service said: “I learnt a lot on the day, not having had any dealings with the RAAF previously.
I was surprised that ADF Reserves were utilised so widely. I take every opportunity to encourage my staff to consider seriously joining the ADF Reserves.
It provides the personal benefit of added income, but it also provides training, fitness and comradeship outside their normal workforce, all of which makes them better, more settled and motivated employees."
Commenting about the start of the Exercise and the Caribou ride, Inspector Grace said: “The Caribou is a fantastic machine, but I now know I would rather travel from Brisbane to Amberley in a Caribou than Brisbane to Perth.”
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Squadron Leader Brady Cummins greets employers of RAAF Reservists
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Squadron Leader Gary Downes gives employers a brief about the F-111 |
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Mr Peter Mason of Braintree Communications gets hands-on experience at the Weapons Simulator |
These photos are from the EES held in Townsville.
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Warm-up
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Obstacle Course |
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Abseiling |
Executive Stretch gets you thinking says Gladstone Electrician
When about a dozen Queensland employers came together for Exercise Executive Stretch (EES) at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville recently, Ken Corfield was ready. The owner of Corfield Electrical in Gladstone had been in training for EES.
“Someone had a quiet word - to be prepared,” he said.
“It wasn’t as tough as I thought, but some of the exercises made me think a bit.”
EES brings together employers or potential employers of reservists, who participate in a weekend of physical and intellectual challenges in an ADF environment. Activities can include physical challenges, weapons firing, navigation exercises, abseiling and living on ration packs.
Mr Corfield, whose company has employed several Reservists over more than 20 years, said EES showed him the reality of life as a reservist.
“I was a sergeant in the cadets at school, but we did nothing like this,” he said.
“At the top of the abseiling tower, I reckon my knees were shaking about three inches from centre.
“As an employer it’s good to see what reservists do on assignment. It was a real eye opener.
“I now better appreciate the commitment of the ADF, how their people are managed and the facilities and infrastructure that are in place in Townsville.”
Mr Corfield also praised the Employer Support Payment of about $1000 a week, saying it makes it easier for employers to replace staff on Defence Service.
RAAF Amberley stretches civilian employers
Business owners and managers from south-east Queensland recently spent a day at RAAF Base Amberley near Brisbane discovering the benefits of their employee’s Reserve service.
Exercise Executive Stretch is organised in conjunction with the Defence Reserves Support Council (DRSC), and gives business executives the opportunity to observe and experience the personal, technical and professional skills training their employees receive as a member of the ADF.
Often this exercise is hosted by Army units, but this time the DRSC chose RAAF Amberley in recognition of the more than 300 RAAF Reservists who are posted to 23 Squadron, City of Brisbane.
About 20 people from a range of public sector and private organisations took part in the event that included a flight in a Caribou aircraft, an overview of aircraft maintenance, weapons handling at the weapons simulator, and participation in a ground combat exercise.
The organisations involved included: Braintree Communications, Westaff, Migas, ATO, EPA, Qld Police and the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service.
Major David Thomson, the Liaison Officer for the Defence Reserves Support Council in Queensland, said the exercise allowed employers to see first hand how Reserve training activities can directly benefit their business.
"Exercise Executive Stretch demonstrates how the unique professional, leadership and career development skills taught in the ADF can be transferred in the day-to-day workplace environment,” he said.
“Our aim is to highlight the skills Reservists gain from being in the ADF and how those skills can benefit civilian employers. Furthermore we want to encourage employers to use the resources and financial support available to them through programs like the Employer Support Payment Scheme.
Mr Brad Sands, CEO of Braintree Communications a small Brisbane-based IT firm said: “ I am very supportive of the ADF Reserve Forces.”
“I have found that the knowledge skills and attitudes that ADF Reservists acquire through their reserve service make them flexible and technically competent employees with a ‘can-do’ attitude.
"The skills reservists gain from their military service are just as important in the business world as they are in the ADF.”
Media Contact:
FLTLT John Hacking,
Deanna Nott, Communications Manager Defence Reserves Support, 0438 013548.
