Reservists walk among us every day

Army Reservists walk among us every day and are an integral part of our community.

The 1/19 Royal New South Wales Regiment Army Reserve Wagga has a strong military history in the city dating back to before World War I. 

Reservists are activated during times of disaster to provide relief to affected areas.

Troops from Wagga have been sent to assist with floods in Wagga, cyclones in Queensland, Black Friday bush fires in Victoria and the tsunami in Indonesia.

Lance Corporal Levi Monshing joined the reserves seven years ago because he was looking for something different to do.

He is currently in his final year of study at university to become a science teacher.

LCPL Monshing has been lucky enough to be deployed overseas with the army three times.

LCPL Monshing said their is a common misunderstanding that you have to be young and fit to join the reserves.

“I surprised myself when I first joined,” he said.

“It’s not beyond a couple of months of training to get up to standard.

“There’s no crazy Rambo stuff on the first day.”

LCPL encourages young, old, tradies, professionals, men and women to have a go.

The reserves have training days at Kapooka but LCPL Monshing said they are their own entity.

“Our whole purpose is to show people that we are our own thing,” he said.

LCPL Monshing said police officers, tradies, teachers and civil engineers are among the current reserves in Wagga.

The 1/19 Royal New South Wales Regiment Army Reserve Wagga is currently looking for more members and is holding a recruitment drive on Tuesday night.

Members of the public who have any interest in joining the Army Reserves are encouraged to come to the depot at 167 Docker Street from 7pm.

The recruitment night will include hands-on activities, demonstrations, displays and recruitment information.

For more information, contact James Dallas on 0407 893 725.