Publication:Sea Talk Autumn 2006/Stretching executives at Cerberus
Cover story by LCDRs Graeme Furlonger and Eric Mushins - pics by CPL Nick Harris
Exercise Executive Stretch No. 23 at HMAS Cerberus late last year produced some morale-building experiences for a group of Victorian executives as well as high praise for the Navy Reservists who led them through the course.
The Exercise Director was Victoria's Regional Reserve Pool (RRP) Manager LCDR Eric Mushins in association with Director Navy Reserve Support-Victoria, CMDR Joe Lukaitis, LCDR Graeme Furlonger and the staff of the Defence Reserves Support Council.
The individual exercise activities placed emphasis on the team work and leadership skills Reservists can bring to their civilian employment
Thirty-four civilians representing employers including General Motors Holden, Visy Industries, Coles Myer, Victorian Police Search and Rescue and Tenix Defence Pty Ltd.
Participants' occupations included general manager, HR manager, senior internal auditor, company manager, CEO and managing director.
They were divided into two teams, each led by a Reserve officer with a sailor Reservist as 2 I/C. ANR personnel who took part as team leaders and 2 I/Cs were LCDR Sean Farrell, LEUT Rob Gardiner, PO Carmel Elliott and PO Andrew Kiss.
Activities included the RAN Swim Test Survival at Sea training at the Seamanship School, Damage Control and Firefighting, night vision goggles and night navex
small arms training and finally a navex on the mud run course.
At the debrief on completion of the exercise, the stretched executive were enthusiastic in their comments:
- "Thank you for this once in a lifetime opportunity. I will continue to support Reservists from our company."
- "I would like to record my appreciation for a very rewarding, challenging and fulfilling weekend. It has opened my eyes to an organisation I knew very little about. I am grateful for the opportunity you provided. The Team Leaders were great. Very inspirational and thoughtful leaders. Well done guys!"
- "I was quite scared before coming on this weekend because I was unsure of what it was about. However, this has been the most enjoyable weekend I have experienced. All staff involved were friendly and professional. I now have a great deal of respect for the Reservists."
