During the first Defense Work Experience Program (DWEP) placement with the 51st Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment (51FNQR), at Porton Barracks, Cairns, a group of high school students got a taste of life in the Army.
The day of March 9 was jam-packed with activity, according to regional DWEP Manager Nel Archer.
The cohort “took part in a pre-fitness assessment with the unit physical training instructor, experienced a simulated combat first aid demonstration, spoke to serving Army members in the vehicle workshops, and took a boat ride up Trinity Inlet in the unit’s dinghies where they saw a crocodile,” said Ms Archer.
Jeremy Schieb, the commanding officer of 51FNQR, spoke to the students about the potential available in the Army during morning tea and lunch with them.
Lieutenant Colonel Schieb noted that having the program stop by Porton Barracks was a great chance to highlight the broad spectrum of job opportunities the Army offers.
The students’ eagerness to fully engage in the event and enjoy themselves was beautiful.
Many of the soldiers employed by 51FNQR are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Their local knowledge is a beautiful fit for the individual tasks performed by the Regional Force Surveillance Unit, which includes preserving safety and security along Australia’s northernmost boundaries.
Ms Archer hoped the 51FNQR installation may be duplicated and expanded to include additional Defense units stationed in the far north.
Her statement read, “DWEP-NQ’s region reaches from Rockhampton, north to the Torres Strait, and out to Mount Isa, but until now, our program has primarily operated on the major military bases of Lavarack Barracks, RAAF Base Townsville, and HMAS Cairns.”
This indicates that pupils who lived elsewhere faced a considerable obstacle to participating in the program unless they had the necessary resources and support from their families.
“At DWEP, it is our duty to reach out to the youth in these more rural areas to support them and inform them of the pathways into the Defense Forces and the available resources and opportunities.
