Former soldier to cross stage as Dr - CQUniversity

By Isis Symes

When Townsville-based former soldier Mick Reilly crosses the CQUniversity graduation stage next week, he'll be thinking about how to continually support combat troops.

Mr Reilly recently completed his PhD thesis on improving team performance as it relates to army combat training.

"I chose the topic as a way I could help the soldiers, sailors and aviators of our Defence Force get better at their jobs," Mr Reilly explained.

"I have a background in learning design and performance improvement with teams. From my consulting work, I thought there was a bit of a disconnect between theory and practice in providing feedback to teams after challenging and immersive learning activities," he said.

Military training events involve complex and immersive scenarios involving high levels of uncertainty and risk.

Mr Reilly's research explored the way in which feedback is given to team members during and after training exercises.

"While forms of After Action Review (AAR) were in place, they were inconsistent in practice and outputs so I decided to dig deeper into this widely used, but apparently not well understand practice of giving feedback in hierarchical organisations."

Mr Reilly will be officially recognised as Dr Reilly on Tuesday (April 30) and is one of three that is set to graduate with a CQUniversity PhD at the ceremony.

"I'm looking forward to the ceremony and especially to thank all those who supported me in the process. I'm looking forward to sharing this with my wife Margie and daughter Cassie," he said.

In another feather to his cap, the CQU alumnus who currently works for consulting to military and businesses focussed on training and performance improvement and is also a Professor of Practice (Defence Industries) at JCU, was recently awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to the community.

"I'm very humbled and honoured to be recognised," Mr Reilly said.

"I have worked with many wonderful people, helping and developing our northern community. While many were great role models, several inspired me along the way."

Despite the new OAM and Dr titles to his name, Mr Reilly said he had no immediate plans to change what he is doing.

"I'll continue my consulting and research into decision making and team performance under pressure and maybe a bit of lecturing."

CQUniversity's Townsville graduation ceremony will be held on Tuesday, 30 April at The Ville Resort-Casino from 12noon-2pm.

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