HRFCA took employers from organisations including Police Scotland, Moray Chamber, Wood PLC and Scottish Chambers out to Cyprus to see their Reservists in action during Exercise Pinestick.
The 16-19 September trip was to visit Leuchars-based 71 Engineer Regiment during their annual training camp.
A trench being constructed.
For some of the employers it was an opportunity to meet their own employees who also serve as Reservists and see how their military training can be applied to their civilian careers.
The employers visited the Sovereign Base Area in the south of the island (Episkopi and Dhekelia) as well as seeing the planning and construction of a new terminal for the RAF at Akrotiri. The employers also saw a battle trench being constructed and watched a scenario involving a stop and search roadblock unfold.
Vehicles negotiate the stop and search roadblock.
The employers were struck by the teamwork and management skills being demonstrated by Reservists who had had very little sleep and who were working in temperatures of over 35 degrees.
Employers enjoyed great meals from the field kitchen.
They also enjoyed being fed and watered at an army field kitchen, served by a chef who works for a housing association in his civilian job.
The visit ended with a formal reception with guest of honour Major General William O’Leary, Deputy Commander Field Army, and there were even some pipers courtesy of the UOTC.
The feedback from employers has been overwhelmingly positive, with all of them gaining a greater understanding of what Reservists do and what they can bring to their employers’ organisations.
Lara Mackay, Business Support Manager at Moray Chamber of Commerce, attended the Exercise and wrote a blog piece on the Chamber website. Read it HERE.
