Frequently Asked Questions

What is there to do in Canberra when I am not at RMC?

Canberra is a tourism centre and has many attractions in the city. The coast is also only 90 minutes away and you may decide to go to the beach for the weekend. There are also many sporting and recreational facilities on the College grounds such as squash courts, a pool, tennis courts, gym and the golf course. For those who enjoy skiing, the snow fields are two hours drive from Canberra. And for a big night on the town, Sydney is also close at only three to four hours drive.

Do I have to wear uniform all of the time?

No. During your various classes and activities throughout the day you will be required to wear a uniform. After work and on the weekend, you can wear casual clothing. It's only when you're at work or on official business that you'll need to wear a uniform.

Can I have long hair at RMC?

Not if you're male, but if you're female, yes. For safety reasons, you'll have to tie it up when you're at work. If you are male and have a specific cultural or religious reason for long hair this can be accommodated.

I am colour blind, can I still join?

Yes, however you will be limited in what jobs you can do when you graduate. Call your nearest recruiting centre for the latest information on this matter.

How fit do I need to be before I arrive at RMC?

The fitter you are when you arrive at RMC, the easier you will find the course. Your level of fitness will be formally assessed during your first week at RMC to ensure that you are fit for training.

The standards you will be expected to meet are tested in the Initial Fitness Assessment. This requires:

Male requirement: 15 Push-ups, 45 Sit-ups, 7.5 Shuttle run score
Female requirement: 8 Push-ups, 45 Sit-ups, 7.5 Shuttle run score

Proper techniques for these activities are shown here. (PDF)

It is strongly recommended that prior to arriving at RMC you undertake the following Conditioning Program.
The Conditioning Program has been specifically designed for RMC and should be started six weeks prior to your march-in date. Successful completion of the Program will give you the maximum chance of successfully completing the course without injury.

RMC Physical Conditioning Guide

RMC Physical Conditioning Program

What jobs will I be able to do in the army as an Officer?

The number of Army Jobs for Officers are limitless. You could decide that leading a rifle platoon is for you, or perhaps you might prefer the challenge of a technical troop in vehicles or communications. Towards the end of your time at RMC, after you have had the chance to see the Army at work, you will be asked to submit your preferences for employment as an officer. The decision on your employment will be made by your Army Career Manager who will consider your preferences, your performance at RMC and the needs of the Army. Ninety-five percent of cadets get their first or second Corps preference.

Will I be sent overseas?

The Army is often sent overseas on operations and peacekeeping missions, as well as on training exercises and personnel exchanges with other nations. You can expect to travel overseas on duty, sometimes very soon after graduation.

Is my training civilian accredited?

Yes. Graduates of the Full Time General Service Officer First Appointment Course are eligible for a Diploma of Military Leadership. (PDF)

In addition, the Army has a memorandum of understanding with Southern Cross University and the University of New England for graduates of the Full Time GSO FAC to be granted 50% of the credit points required for award of a Bachelor of Professional Studies.

Will I get time off on weekends and in the evenings?

Yes. Leave timings vary and as you progress through the course, opportunities for leave will increase. The only time you will not get weekends and evenings off is during Initial Cadet Training (ICT) and during field exercises. A normal week day is from 7am until 5:30pm and sometimes classes will run until 9:30pm. On your weekend you can expect to work Saturday 7am till 12pm.

How often will I be away on field exercises?

During your eighteen months of training at RMC you should expect to spend six months of it conducting field exercises.

Field exercises are intended to emulate opertational life, and as such you should not expect to get any leave during these activities. Exercises are conducted all over Australia and will expose you to different conditions and living environments.

I have been in the Reserve or Regular Army. Does that count towards my RMC training?

If you are a graduate of the Army Reserve First Appointment Course, you may receive recognition of learning. All Non-Commissioned Officer and soldier entrants, are required to commence in Third Class and complete the full course.

Please check with Defence Force Recruiting if you are currently serving and have a specific question you want answered.

I am about to graduate from school. Can I join RMC?

Any person from 17 to 53 is eligible to join RMC so long as they can complete their Return of Service Obligation (ROSO). Joining straight from school is hugely demanding and such young candidates are often asked to reapply after six to 12 months. If you are in year 12 and doing well at school, you should apply to attend the Australian Defence Force Academy . The average age of cadets at RMC is 23.

How much will I be paid while I am at RMC?

In Third Class you will be paid approximately $31,719 as at May 2008. In Second and First Class you will receive approximately $33,753 as at May 2008. A small amount will be deducted fortnightly for meals and accommodation.

Click here for up to date pay scales and here for more in depth information on Pay and Conditions

How much will I be paid on graduation?

When you graduate, your salary with service allowance will be approximately $55,000 depending on your Corps.

I am in the Defence Force now, and earn more than a cadets wage. Does that mean I will earn less if I attend RMC?

No. If you are in the Defence Force now you should be entitled to Non-Reduction Allowance. This means that you will stay on your current pay level throughout your time as a cadet. Check with your local supervisor and Defence Force Recruiter for more details.

If I am married, can I bring my family?

Yes. The Army will assist you to move your family in to a service residence in the Canberra region, most likely on base at Duntroon.

There are many on base facilities for families, such as a Pre-school, Community Centre and Swimming pool.

Spouses are encouraged to be involved in social activities at RMC and with other RMC families to assist each other during times when a member in training is away.

Additionally, Defence provides support for families through the Defence Community Organisation which provides a variety of services to Defence members and their families.

Will I be able to go home to visit my family during the year?

Yes. Every three months, one or two weeks of leave are provided for cadets to return to their homes and relax with their family. The Army will pay your travel expenses from RMC to your nominated home. These leave periods can also be used to take short holidays to any destination at your own expense.

What personality traits and attitude should I have to be successful at RMC and as an Army Officer?

Training at RMC is both physically and mentally challenging. If you approach it from the start with a positive attitude your time here can be a very rewarding experience. A sense of professionalism, being flexible, patient, self motivated and also the ability to work well in a small team under adverse conditions will serve you well during your time here.

Can I bring my car?

There is ample parking for cadet cars and motorcycles at RMC. After your Initial Cadet Training, your vehicle will be brought from your previous location to RMC by the Defence Housing Authority.

What happens if I am injured at RMC?

If you are injured in training at RMC and it is severe enough that you temporarily cannot continue the course, you will be moved to Neville Howse VC Platoon where you will be given time to recover. During this time you will have access to doctors, specialists and physiotherapists free of charge. You will continue some military training to maintain your skills. This training will be tailored around your level of fitness.

When you are fully recovered you will rejoin the course at the level at which you left training.

How long do I have to stay in the Army after I graduate from RMC?

You will sign on to the Army for a fixed term of six years including your time at RMC; however, if you wish to leave before your training at RMC is complete, then you will not be required to remain in service.

After I graduate, can I choose where I am posted to?

From time to time, you may be transferred from one state or territory to another. Every attempt will be made to send you to the place of your choice, but in the end, the Army's needs must take first priority.