Publication:Sea Talk Spring 2006/Reservists: apply now for overseas award
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RANR Professional Studies Program
By CAPT Richard Phillips
The RANR Professional Studies Program provides a forum for Naval Reserve members and the corporate sector to develop and identify areas of mutual interest and share the knowledge that flows from NR service.
One of the key opportunities sponsored by the RANRPSP is the annual Naval Reserve Overseas Study Grant Scheme (OSGS), now known as the Matthew Davey Award.
The award recognises individual Reservist excellence in both the civilian and military spheres by allowing selected Navy Reservists to travel overseas to further their knowledge. Experience and knowledge gained from this overseas visit provide positive benefits to the civilian employer, the military unit and the Reservist.
It is managed by the office of Director General Reserves-Navy under the authority of DI(N) ADMIN 6-4 (Royal Australian Naval Reserve Professional Studies Program).
The Matthew Davey Award provides a member of the NR with a grant to travel overseas to undertake study relevant to NR capability. The amount for funding is determined annually. It covers travel, accommodation and other costs associated with the tour.
The study tour will usually be up to a fortnight in duration and be linked specifically to the use of NR capability in a 'total force environment'. The study may focus on, but is not be limited to, such issues as NR involvement in:
- maritime defence,
- financial and corporate management,
- operations and logistics,
- human resources and training,
- military health,
- public relations, and
- information systems and management
The Professional Studies Program provides training for a selected Naval Reservist that enhances individual experience and knowledge in their fields of civilian occupation, broadens their military skills and promotes cooperation between Defence and corporate management. If the area of intended study involves a professional/specialist area, then the application should be accompanied with a sign off of the 'Head of Community', which is normally at the one star level.
As part of the application process, Reservists are required to develop a positive and meaningful project that will benefit the NR.
Candidates should be aware that representational and personal attributes are an integral part of the granting of the award. The award is more than a reward and a means of enhancing civil, academic and military skills for the individual Reserve and their employer - it is both an educational and an ambassadorial activity in both the Australian and international environments. Significantly, the successful recipient will represent their employers, the Australian Naval Reserve, and Australia in both the international environment and in the Australian business and military environments on their return. The required personal attributes include oral and written communication skills, self-confidence and maturity, independence and initiative, and overall personal presentation.
Eligibility for the grant is open to all NR members regardless of rank or specialisation. Applications may be made by both Active and Standby members; however, applicants must have undertaken at least 20 days of service in the financial year prior to application to be eligible to apply.
The award seeks to encourage employer support of the Naval Reserves. This requires that all applicants for the award must be in formal civilian employment. This employment must be on a full-time, a permanent part-time or permanent casual basis. Reservists who do not meet any of these three employment criteria are not eligible to apply for the award. This means that unemployed, self-employed or Reservists who are students are ineligible for the award.
Service with permanent forces
If, during the selection process an applicant transfers from the Reserves to the permanent ADF, then the application will be withdrawn. If an award has been granted and such a transfer occurs, that award will be withdrawn and transferred to the next highest ranking candidate.
Reservists rendering continuous full-time service (CFTS), while on leave from their civilian employment, are eligible to make application for the award provided they can be released to undertake the study within the time required.
An award recipient, who decides to undertake CFTS between winning an award and prior to beginning their award travel, will be able to maintain the award provided that the travel can be completed by June 30 of the award year.
Entitlements
The award recipient is entitled to the following expenses, up to the maximum of the annual grant amount:
- Movement from home to the Australian departure airport and return.
- Air travel from the departure airport to the country to be visited.
- Accommodation in the country to be visited (service accommodation should be used when and wherever possible).
- Movement between attachments within the country to be visited.
- Reserve salary for the duration of the study tour, up to a maximum of 14 days,
- Overseas incidental and where applicable, equipment allowances in advance.
- If applicable, travelling allowance.
Closing date for entry
Completed applications should be at the Office of DGRES-N on Friday, October 29.
How to Apply
The development and submission of the application is the responsibility of the applicant. Candidate application procedures with forms available from the Office of DGRES-N on 02 6265 6678. POC is Deputy Director Naval Reserves LCDR Margaret Maher.
Previous awards
2005 LCDR Andrew St.John-Brown - The need for expended NR Officer Staff training and the USN experience.
2006 LCDR Chris Greatrex - To examine cost effective ICT solutions delivered to MWVs serving in the USN, US Coast Guard and the Canadian Navy and then applied to the current RAN ICT context.
