Publication:Sea Talk Summer 2005/Exercise Long Look 'oversubscribe'
by LCDR Antony Underwood
Exercise Long Look and Anzac Exchange Coordinator CPOEW Margaret Nason has begun the onerous task of sorting through bids for the 2006 exchange programs. The Exercise Long Look program, in particular, has received an unprecedented number of applications for the 20 positions available following widespread publicity, in particular in the Spring edition of SeaTalk.
"We've received nearly 90 to date and indications that more are coming," said CPO Nason some weeks before this edition of SeaTalk went to press.
The 20 positions to be filled for four months exchange with Royal Navy personnel in comparable jobs include mine warfare, mechanical trades, motor transport, aviation trades, electronic warfare, seaman, submarines, diving and photography.
Exercise Long Look is an unaccompanied exchange - participants are treated as members of the RN and usually live in service accommodation.
CPO Nason said some of the positions are seagoing but that, no matter whether they were or not, RN authorities generally provide as much variety as possible within the job descriptions and an opportunity to explore their new surroundings.
"Of course, those in sea postings could find themselves in the Mediterranean or the Bahamas or other locations where the RN routinely operates," CPO Nason said.
Benefits of the exchange, apart from the opportunity for those selected to broaden their horizons, include acquiring experience and new skills to bring home, and the opportunity to form a personal network with those with whom they work.
"We expect to have the shortlist very soon and the target date for the final list is mid-February," CPO Nason said.
"The criteria we look at are that they should be well reported and be suitable for representative work - and, of course, each applicant has to have his or her CO's recommendation."
Exercise Long Look 2006 will run from April to mid-August next year.
CPO Nason said a few vacancies were still available for the Anzac 2006 exchange which runs from March 1 to May 31.
Those interested can either contact CPO Nason on (02) 6265 3311 or complete and send her an Anzac Exchange application form from http://intranet.defence.gov.au/ navyweb/Sites/DSCM/
