Publication:Sea Talk Winter 2007/Naval Reserves
by CAPT Joseph Lukaitis
Director Naval Reserve Capability
Contents |
Active Reserves Awaiting Employment
Regular readers of this column will recognise a recurring theme which is the ongoing invitation to Reservists to volunteer for work in the RAN. For hundreds of Reservists in the Active Reserve awaiting employment (ARAE) list, there is a challenge to mix and match the right job with personal availability. Geography is an issue for many especially those living distant from Canberra or the Fleet bases. However, there is growing flexibility in employment opportunities and conditions especially for periods of continuous full time service.
The new capability enhancement program also allows for a high degree of future employment planning for those in CEP positions. The travel budget in the CEP is a key and ongoing feature to help remove geographical impediments.
The program has a specific focus on progression and currency training again to allow long term planning for the employment of Reservists and to ensure a realistic career path.
New compulsory retirement age
In April, Minister for Defence Dr Brendan Nelson announced that the compulsory retirement age (CRA) for Reservists would be extended to 65 from 60 with effect from this July 1. The PN CRA will also be increased by five years to 60 from 55. Reservists turning 55 between April and July will be offered age extensions.
The Minister also announced that the upper limit for age extensions for Reservists and PN members will be removed. The changes apply to all three services and will also include an increase of five years in the maximum recruiting age.
Are you efficient?
The Defence Honours and Awards newsletter recently published the criteria for Naval Reserve ‘efficient service’ which is the measure for long service medals. These criteria are also used for Defence Housing Loans eligibility.
To be recognised as efficient the number of Reserve days a Naval Reservist is required to have completed in each enlistment year is:
- In the period up to and including October 28 , 1991 - 12 days per enlistment year;
- From October 29 , 1991 up to and including April 19, 2000 - one day per enlistment year.
- From April 20, 2000 - completed 20 days per enlistment year.
Reserve divers and musicians wanted
The Naval Reserve is recruiting divers and musicians and there are presently vacancies for direct entry ‘ab initio’ civilians to join as RCTDVR and RCTMUSN.
Diver entrants can apply with no previous experience.
Musician applicants must be proficient instrumentalists.
If you know someone in your family, at work or a friend who may be a potential recruit diver or musician, why not encourage them to apply? Members of the Navy family are often the best recruiters. Applicants should initially contact Defence Recruiting on 131901.
Goorangai Papers
LCDR Blair Ussher is the editor of the RANR Professional Studies Program Goorangai papers. He is currently looking for contributions as he prepares to publish the second volume of papers in 2008.
If you would like to contribute a paper on a Maritime/Defence/Reserve or military history topic you are invited to send an initial email to LCDR Ussher at Blair.Ussher@justice.vic.gov.au. Papers should be about 1200 words and may include photos and diagrams. Goorangai papers are able to be read on the internet at www.navy.gov.au\reserves_new/professionalstudiesprogram.
