When Rebecca Higgot isn't studying for her Masters in social work at university, she is a troop commander in the Australian Army Reserve.

As a General Service Officer in the Royal Australian Corps of Signals she is responsible for a diverse range of tasks including planning activities and training for her troops.

"My job involves writing risk assessments, administration instructions, and planning our training weekends which we have at least once per month," Rebecca said. The training weekends are normally conducted at High Range and allow soldiers to practice working as detachments to set up radio transmission stations and establish communications in the field.

"On a Tuesday night we parade at the unit where we usually do PT [physical training] and once a month we carry out a weapons shoot."
"The worst part of the job is when you're dirty and cold in the field but it builds your mental stamina," Rebecca said.
Originally from Western Australia, Rebecaa transferred from a signals unit in the west to the Townsville-based 141 Signals Squadron at the beginning of last year.

"I went inactive for 12 months because I was moving interstate and getting married."
"Army Reserve is really flexible when it comes to work, family and study commitments."

Rebecca was keen to be in a job where she felt she was really achieving something and became interested in joining the Army Reserve when her brother spent time in East Tinor on peacekeeping missions with the Australian Army. "Signals is definitely a good corps for people to get into because there are heaps of opportunities to deploy, spend time out in the field, and get out there and do something."

"The unit here is great and we get to do lots of social and physical activities like adventure training."

Army Reserve officers undertake initial training run by the Royal Military College of Australia. The training consists of five residential training blocks conducted at different locations around Australia as well as training at their parent unit. The training is flexible to accommodate civilian employment commitments and allows personnel to utilise leave allowances and university breaks. It includes training in military skills; command, leadership and management; and platoon commander skills.
Ideally, officers complete the course within 18 months, with a maximum time frame of 3 years. Upon completion Army Reserve officers are commissioned as Lieutenants capable of commanding a platoon of 30 soldiers on operations in the Australian Army.