TWENTY Cairns business leaders have been selected to take part in a navy exercise highlighting what their employees do as reservists.

Exercise Executive Stretch kicks off this weekend at HMAS Cairns to provide employers and supporters of reservists with first-hand experience of the training philosophy and methods used by Australian Defence Force reserve forces.

Defence Support Council Far North Queensland chairman Christopher White said the exercise was designed to provide employers with an insight into the benefits of employing reservists.

He said there had been 30 applications for the limited 20 positions.

"It is highly sought after and well regarded," Dr White said.

The 20 business leaders and managers will be required at HMAS Cairns from 5pm on Friday until 5pm on Sunday.

"All transport, meals, accommodation and military equipment will be provided," Dr White said.

"The EES also includes a visit to the Atherton rifle range and time on board an Armidale class patrol boat at sea conducting border protection and other activities," he said.

Dr White said it would be a weekend of physical and intellectual challenge in an ADF environment.

He said they would fire weapons, "drive" the patrol boat and take part in physical exercise sessions.

Dr White said the business leaders would find out what benefits they received from the reservist program as well as their staff.

He said they would learn about the skills, the logistics, the planning and discipline their staff underwent.

Dr White said the participants learned a lot and appreciated the weekend of activities.

"They leave absolutely raving about what a tremendous experience it was for them," he said.

Dr White said four previous exercises had seen a spike in reservist applications.

"They become very supportive and encourage their staff to take part," he said.

Dr White said there were also financial rewards for both staff and the businesses.

He said Cairns was one of the few regional areas which held the annual program.

Employers who had taken part in previous exercises include Queensland China Council chairwoman Sim Hayward, human resources consultant John Hartigan and reef operator Alan Wallish.

NEW CAIRNS.COM.AU COMMENT POLICY
We welcome your comments on this story. Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Comments submitted without a full name and suburb/location will not be considered for publication. Please read our full comment policy and publication guidelines.

Share this article