BRAVE Burleigh Heads man Chris Evans is preparing to once again deploy overseas with the Australian Army, this time serving in East Timor.

After two months of jungle training at Canungra, the 37-year-old reservist will depart for eight months and won't see his parents Brendan and Elaine until next year.

Mr Evans will be part of the 500-strong Australian-led international force in East Timor.

They are there at the invitation of the East Timorese Government to help provide stability while local groups sort out their differences in a peaceful and democratic manner.

“I was in the Solomons in 2009,” said Mr Evans, who is a rifleman, driver and signaller.

“Now I'm looking forward to the next challenge.

“I feel honoured to wear the uniform and get the chance to help out another country.

“But eight months is a long time to be away.

“I'll definitely be looking forward to my first surf back at the point and the first beer at the Burleigh Hotel – not to mention a good sleep in.”

Of the 100,000 Australians entitled to wear an Army uniform, some 45,000 are reservists.

They are all volunteers and have to volunteer again if they want to deploy overseas.

Reservists also take part in Australia-based border protection and security operations such as the Commonwealth Games.