The open day proved to be a big success and plenty of people were keen to take part in the ‘VIP extractions’ which involved a person being escorted between safe zones while under a simulated attack.

Recruits of the 1/19 Royal New South Wales Regiment were happy to talk to interested members of the public and Warrant Officer Class 2 Adam Bisset said he hoped people might consider joining the reserves after seeing what they do.

“It’s not often that we allow the general public to come in and interact with us,” Warrant Officer Bisset said. 

“It’s certainly something we are working on in the local area to let people known what we can do, some of the capabilities we have here and some of the training tactics and procedures that we use.”

Warrant Officer Bisset said the extractions and urban assault demonstrations had proved extremely popular.

“The families and everyone who has participated have really enjoyed it,” Warrant Officer Bisset said.

“The urban assault is designed to simulate a deliberate attack on a mock up of an urban facility. It’s one of the most fun training activities we do,” he said,

“The other display is the VIP extraction where we utilise a form of close personnel protection where we move a civilian acting a VIP from a safe zone, across an unsafe area under opposition, to another safe zone.”

“It’s been fantastic, especially to watch the first participant take part in the VIP extraction. I’m pretty sure I heard a bit of a squeal.”

The aim of the day is to introduce the community to just what the Army Reserves do and potentially find people who are interested in joining. 

“I’d encourage anyone who is interested to come on down. We’re here [at the base located on the corner of Wingewarra Street and Kokoda Place] on Tuesday nights from around 1800 or 6pm come down or check it out online at defencejobs.gov.au,” Warrant Officer Bisset said.