ABOUT THE ARMY RECRUIT COURSE
The Recruit Training Course and Reserve Recruit Training Course are physically challenging and mentally demanding. You will be required to work hard for up to seven days a week with little time available for recreation. You will learn and develop many new skills during your training. Some trainees find the change to a military lifestyle difficult, but most satisfactorily make the transition and go on to complete their training. You should be aware that when you enlist, you have voluntarily signed a contract to serve in the Australian Army. Once enlisted, you will be subject to military discipline. On arrival at ARTC, staff members from 1st Recruit Training Battalion will meet you and brief you on the requirements of military discipline.
Recruit training is the same for male and female entrants. During the 80 day Army Recruit Course or four-week Reserve Recruit Training Course you will be required to take part in physical training, weapon handling and shooting, first aid, drill and field craft. The majority of your time will be spent in barracks receiving theory and practical instruction. You will learn how to wear your uniform correctly, and maintain your personal equipment and room to the standard required by the Army.
The training is deliberately challenging and has been designed to prepare you to be a soldier in today's Army. The training is intense, with limited time for personal administration. Recruits gain a sense of achievement, purpose and confidence during basic training, and on completion of the course feel justifiably proud of what they have achieved.
- Progress & Assessment
- Pay & Entitlements
- Privileges & Entertainment
- Clothing and Uniforms
- Completion of training
- Life After Kapooka
Throughout your time at ARTC you will be continually assessed in the skills, knowledge and attitude required for service in the Army.
Some trainees may be unable to complete their training in the minimum allocated time due to unsatisfactory progress, medical problems or disciplinary issues. There is opportunity for medical rehabilitation, and extensive re-training and re-assessment to ensure trainees are given appropriate opportunity to complete their training.
If you are unable to successfully fulfill all of the requirements of the Reserve Recruit Training Course you may be discharged from the Australian Defence Force (ADF), or returned to your unit until such time you can return to Kapooka to resume the training course.
On the second day after your arrival at ARTC, you will receive a pay advance of $100.00, however, it is recommended that you bring a small amount of money ($20) with you to purchase ancillary items that you may require. This pay advance is to purchase items necessary for personal administration. Subsequent pay will be placed into your nominated bank account.
You should ascertain the current Net Rate of pay from your recruiting unit and ensure that it is sufficient to cover all of your financial commitments. If it is not, you should make alternate arrangements to meet your financial obligations. There is little opportunity to rectify these problems once training has commenced. Particular attention should be made to personal banking arrangements.
Up to date information about pay and entitlements can be found on the Defence Jobs website
As you progress through training, you will be given additional privelliges such as access to base facilities in accordance with the training program. Due to the intensity of training and time constraints, your availability to use these facilities will be limited.
The available facilities include:
- Cinema (with newly released titles)
- Internet Cafe
- Pool Table
- Table Tennis
- Video Arcade Games (eg. Deer Hunting)
- Frontline store
- Soldier's Shop
- Post Office
- Banks
Military Clothing. Military clothing will be supplied to you shortly after your arrival at ARTC. You will be required to maintain this clothing including washing and ironing to the standard required by the Army. Washing machines and clothes dryers are provided in the laundry facilities near each barrack block. You will require an iron and should bring one with you, along with 'iron cleaner'.
Civilian Clothing. Civilian clothing may only be worn during leave. You are required to dress smartly at all times when in civilian dress - a good pair of trousers / slacks and a sports shirt with collar (no explicit motifs) for males, and a similarly appropriate standard for females. As space is restricted, you are to bring only one suitcase with you.
The above dress standards also apply on your enlistment day.
What happens after the 80 day Recruit Course training?
To mark the completion of the Recruit Course, you will take part in a ceremonial parade. Visitors are invited to view this parade which takes place at 10.00 am on the last day of the Recruit Course. A luncheon is held for you and your family after the march out parade.
What happens after the 28 day Reserve Recruit Course training?
To mark the completion of the Reserve Recruit Training Course, you will take part in a ceremony to acknowledge your achievements. Visitors are invited to view this ceremony which takes place at 2.30 pm on the last day of the course. An afternoon tea is held for you and your family after the ceremony. Soldiers who successfully complete the course will return home on the day following the March-out Ceremony. Travel arrangements will be advised to you during the Reserve Recruit Training Course.
After recruit training all full time soldiers will go on to complete their Initial Employment Training (IET) at one of the Army and Defence Corps Schools. This involves learning your job within the Corps you enlist into. Depending on what job or trade you are enlisted in will depend on the length of your IET. As a general rule the training will be anywhere between 6 and 18 months duration. The Corps Schools are in various locations around Australia. Detailed information on most of the jobs and trades available in the Army can be found at the Stay Army website.
Upon completion of your IET you will be posted to one of the many barracks around Australia to begin your career in your chosen Corps. You will most likely go on operations and exercises, meet many new friends and really enjoy yourself in a completely unique and rewarding environment that only those who have graduated from Kapooka can be a part of.
Life in your units will have similarities to civilian workplaces in Australia (eg working hours are 8am to 5pm/ 7.30 to 4.30pm). Living in barracks will be similar to living in a flat in civilian life. Depending on the unit you are posted to, there will be wake up and evening sleep times. However, the key difference is that army expects its personel to be prepared to serve Australia when called apon. This places unique demands on our soldiers which will provide
you with exciting challenges.
Reservists please note, CO/CI 1 RTB does not have authority to amend any movements unless there are unforeseen special compassionate and/or operational requirements. For more information on Reserve movements after completion of the course, please refer to the FAQ page.