An international training opportunity funded through Defence's coveted Prince of Wales Award (POWA) scheme in 2013 continues to pay dividends for Tasmania-based Navy reservist Lieutenant Oliver Breeze.
POWA provides selected ADF reservists with up to $10,000 towards an approved professional development activity that supports their civilian employment.
In 2013, Lieutenant Breeze, now a troop commander at Kokoda Barracks in Queensland, used his POWA funding to complete training at the Justice Institute of British Columbia in Canada.
"I spent two weeks studying interagency emergency management and working with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Canadian Army, Ski Patrollers, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and Forest Fire Fighting and Rescue agencies," he said.
Lieutenant Breeze credits the international training for providing him with a broader perspective, enabling him to excel further in his role.
"On a personal note, undertaking the training has put me in good stead for career advancement. I could not be more thankful for the opportunity," he said.
This year, the POWA scheme celebrates 40 years of championing the career development of ADF reservists like Lieutenant Breeze.
Seventeen reservists have been announced as recipients of the 2024 award, with the continued success of the scheme highlighting the value of Reserve Forces - and the support from their civilian employers - to Defence capability.
Leading Seaman Caleb Wilson, of the Royal Australian Navy Band Tasmania, said his 2024 POWA funding would assist him in attending the European Rescue Swimmers Association, Rescue Swimmers Meet in Aalborg, Denmark.
He works as a helicopter air crew officer with Tasmania Police. This involves being an aircrew and hoist operator for land and water search and rescue, aeromedical tasks and aerial law enforcement work.
"I am also a rescue crew, which involves getting winched into the bush and plucking people out of the water, if required," Leading Seaman Wilson said.
"The Rescue Swimmers Meet is a biennial symposium where crew operating in the back of rescue helicopters can share their experiences, learn from each other, and meet colleagues from around the world who are also involved in this specialist industry."
Head of Reserve and Cadet Support Division Major General Douglas Laidlaw acknowledged the significant number of reservists across Australia who are well supported by their civilian employers.
"The ADF brings together a diverse group of people with unique and transferable skill sets. The support from civilian employers enables our ADF Reserves to continue to deliver capability to protect Australia and its national interests," Major General Laidlaw said.
"This award scheme is one way Defence invests in not only reservists, but also in the mutually beneficial relationship between reservists, Defence and civilian employers.
"Our people are fundamental to all we can and must achieve, and an essential part of all capability and missions.
"I congratulate the recipients across all three services who will have the opportunity to develop new skills and undertake additional training to the benefit of their civilian employers and Defence."
Applications for the 2025 award scheme are now open at ADF Reserves and Employer Support.
