Army invades CBD for training, recruitment

The Albany CBD transformed into a mock battleground when the Royal WA Regiment 11th/28th Battalion conducted training in the area at the weekend.

About 50 Army Reservists and cadets were involved in activities such as low-level risk searches, first-aid, equipment set-up and physical training, which doubled as an attempt to recruit more members.

Alpha Company commanding officer Captain Thor Farnworth said it was important to remind the community that there was a local army presence.

"I think people often have this idea that the army is somewhere else … so what we need to do here in the South West is remind people that we have depots in Bunbury, Katanning and Albany and we have had them since federation," he said.

Capt. Farnworth said there was also an outdated perception of the Army Reserve.

"Historically, people have this idea that we were there in a time of war and would be activated if the country was invaded," he said.

"So there's a misconception that we are a 'home guard' or a bit of a dad's army, but I think those ideas are really old now and not very helpful … we really need to dispel them.

"The reality is reservists today are rounding out and reinforcing the regular army … our soldiers right now are on boats providing border protection, we've had two rotations into the far north assisting the navy in pursuing and protecting assets and resources."

Capt. Farnworth said there was a range of corps available to join that were suited to recruits with varied backgrounds, including those learning trades and studying at university.