The local Defence Reserves Support Council committee hosted the employers at Holsworthy Barracks to show off the skills that defence reservists can bring to civilian employment as part of Executive Stretch last week.

For those who currently employ military reservists, it was a chance to see what their staff members did on ADF leave and, and for those who don't yet employ a reservist, it demonstrated the value of having a reservist on staff.

“We partially indoctrinated them as a soldier for 36 hours and by doing that we expose them to elements of reserve service to demonstrate the transfer of skills that reservists bring to their civilian employment,” Defence Reserves Support Council Committee North West deputy chair Chris Celovic said.

“We showed them the military leadership system, chain of command, team work, initiative and they got to see the current service rifle and participate in activities such as an obstacle course and visited the Blackhawk squadron.”

Slater and Gordon Tamworth managing lawyer Fiona Burns said she volunteered for Exercise Stretch because it “sounded like an interesting personal challenge”.

“I was also interested in knowing more about the ways that private businesses could support the reserves,” she said.

“I quickly found an immense respect for the defence force reserves. It was an unforgettable experience learning about the day-to-day role of both defence reservists and full-time personnel.”

Ms Burns said she also learned that being part of the defence force was about being ready for anything.

“You never know what's going to happen,” she said.

“I have a lot of respect for the people who do that everyday and really are ready for anything.”

The employers on Executive Stretch included a lawyer, a human resources manager from Gunnedah Shire Council, a pharmacist and a banker.