ARMY OPENS WORKSHOP DOORS TO INSPIRE NEXT GENERATION

One of the Australian Army’s largest support battalions has opened its expansive workshops to local schools, aiming to inspire the next generation of recruits.

Approximately 250 high school students from Townsville, Ayr, Ingham, and Tully attended the open day in October. Among them were Indigenous students from the Clontarf Foundation.

Students had the opportunity to meet ADF career specialists and speak directly with 3CSSB personnel while touring some of the largest mechanical workshops and military supply warehouses in the country.

They also engaged with cutting-edge drone technology and participated in physical fitness training sessions.

The 3rd Combat Service Support Battalion (3CSSB), based at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville, plays a critical role in supporting the 3rd Brigade with essential transport, supply, and maintenance services—enabling the Brigade to move, train, and fight effectively.

With more than 500 officers and soldiers across over 40 employment categories, 3CSSB is actively supporting Australian Defence Force (ADF) Careers to attract new recruits to join the ADF by highlighting some of its roles, including vehicle mechanics and operators, fuel and cargo specialists, electronics technicians, and more.

3CSSB Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Jason Long, said the event helped open young minds to career paths they may not have previously considered.

“There’s a wide range of benefits to pursuing a logistics role in the military,” LTCOL Long said.

“But you also gain trade qualifications with civilian equivalencies, giving you the flexibility to transition into employment beyond the military.”

“We need skilled people to maintain these platforms and ensure our capabilities will be up to meeting whatever challenge is thrown at us. Townsville is a key garrison city with a strong defence and industrial base. These trade qualifications offer individuals the chance to build lasting careers right here in the region.”

Key trades showcased during the open day included recovery mechanics, vehicle technicians, electronics technicians, and material technicians—all currently in high demand as the 3rd Brigade prepares for growth.

ADF Careers Senior Recruiting Officer, Major Peter Cherry, said it is an exciting time to join the ADF in Army logistics.

“Events like this show the community the breadth of roles that the ADF has to offer and the opportunities that come with a career in the ADF,” MAJ Cherry said.

For more information on ADF Careers and pathways such as the Gap Year program, visit adfcareers.gov.au or call 13 19 01