Reservists

Reservists are a fundamental part of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and provide a considerable contribution to the security and national interests of Australia. ADF reservists are proud and loyal Australians who come from all backgrounds to add a new dimension to their lives through part-time military service. They come from all walks of life and work in various roles. They balance their civilian lifestyle with their part-time role in Defence. Reservists serve in a variety of roles in the Navy, Army or Air Force, where they join as initial recruits in trade-qualified and professional service positions or with no experience. Full-time ADF personnel can also transition to part-time Reserve service. Reservists serve alongside their full-time colleagues on all Defence exercises and operations. They also assist in securing Australia’s national borders and make a valuable contribution to the local community, providing assistance and support following natural disasters and in emergency rescue operations. Reservists are valuable assets to Defence and their civilian workplace bringing self-discipline, focus, leadership, teamwork and world-class training into any civilian role.

The Defence Reserve Service (Protection) Act 2001 protects reservists undertaking various forms of Defence service. The Act makes it an offence for an employer to discriminate against, disadvantage, hinder, prevent or dismiss an employee or prospective employee for rendering Defence service (including training). The Act also includes employment, partnership, education, financial liability and bankruptcy protection for reservists in relation to their rendering of Defence service. Civil penalties may also apply for contraventions of the Act. The facilitation of the Act is overseen by the Employer Support and Service Protection team, being part of ADF Reserves and Employer Support within Joint Support Services Division

Under the Defence Reserve Service (Protection) Act 2001, employers must release reservists when they are required to undertake periods of ADF service including military training. When a reservist employee is released for required training, deployment or any other appointment associated with Defence service, they must not be forced to take any form of paid or unpaid leave. The amount of leave a reservist may need to apply for when required to undertake reserve service will vary. Leave for Defence service can include: initial recruit training initial employment training annual exercises / camps specialist courses deployment for service general Reserve service Employers are not required to pay a reservist’s salary while they’re rendering Defence service. However, employers are encouraged to develop a supportive Reserve leave policy. Brochure | Responsibilities and Protections For further information you can get in touch via the Contact us page

The Employer Support Awards are designed to formally recognise civilian employers committed to supporting reservists in their workplace. They acknowledge employers that have gone above and beyond for their reservist employees, over a sustained period or for a special effort to enable the member to complete their Reserve commitments.

ADF immersion activities are designed to give civilian employers and senior staff a hands-on experience of what their Reserve employees do in the military. ADF immersions are usually held in conjunction with a Navy, Army or Air Force exercise which afford the participants the opportunity to see how Reserves contribute to the ADF, an insight into Reserve service and the skills reservists bring to their civilian workforce. A typical program is informative and adventurous, all set in a challenging yet safe and controlled environment and run from half day, to two days in duration (and over weekends). It combines a range of activities that might include some of the following: leadership, confidence and initiative tests team-building exercises navigation theory and practice bush-craft communications quick decision exercises visits to technical training facilities visits to Defence bases Defence immersions are stimulating and geared towards showcasing the unique skillsets of reservists, and developing personal skill rather than physical exertion. Average fitness levels are sufficient to participate in the activities. Reservists are responsible for making sure their civilian employers are aware of these activities and in some instances are encouraged to nominate their employer to attend. Boss X Boss X teaches employers of reservist’s first-hand what the ADF does on major exercises and operations. Often there is an opportunity for employers to see their employees working in their Reserve role. Boss X activities will usually take place over a three to five day period. In recent years, Boss X has seen employers travel to overseas locations and major military exercises in Australia. How can my employer attend? Reservists are welcome to express their employer’s interest in an ADF immersion or Boss X activity by completing and submitting the following expression of interest.   EOI FORM   You can also contact a member of ADF Reserves and Employer Support for more information at 1800 DEFENCE or via the contact us page.