A BROWNS Plains family man is among a contingent of 120 Australian Army Reservists on an international law-enforcement operation in the Solomon Islands.

Justin Morton volunteered to be part of the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands which includes police from 15 Pacific nations, soldiers from Australia, New Zealand, Tonga and Papua New Guinea, and 120 civilian specialists.

While on duty in the Pacific, he was visited by his

boss Peter O'Brien of Worldwide Online Printing. Mr Mortonis business development manager responsible for all sales and marketing activities at the

company 's Milton store.

 

Mr O 'Brien was one of 19 employers who took part in the Army Reserves' Operation Bosslift which involved flying the group to the Solomons to catch up with their staff member on leave for six months to take part in the operation.

Operation Bosslift was initiated to show the employers how military experience enhances their workers' skill-sets.

Mr Morton said he had always wanted to join the Reserves since he was a child.

"Reserves let you put a toe in the water without getting wet," he said.

"In a way, you have the best of both worlds, the Army and the private sector." He said it was his job on patrol to maintain communications "so if anything bad is happening up ahead, we get to know about it".

Mr Morton is due back in Australia later this month.

Caption Text:

Flying visit . . . Army Reserve Private Justin Morton caught up with his civilian boss Peter O 'Brien while on duty in the Solomon Islands.