Medical ExaminationGET ORGANISED BEFORE ARRIVAL

Among many things the Army is about instilling self confidence, initiative and leadership. While the joining instruction and this section will give you some directives we will expect you to draw upon your own judgement and common sense when it comes to packing your suitcase.

The Army has dress standards that you may think are a little more stringent than what you are currently used to. This is because we want our soldiers to look presentable, disciplined and professional. The public looks to us as role models and their first impression of the Army may well come from you.

The Army issued clothing and equipment is quite extensive and you will end up with a lot of gear before you leave Kapooka which is one of the reasons we restrict you to one suitcase.

Some guidelines on what civilian clothing to bring are as follows:

Think about the time of year you will be in training and bring suitable, comfortable clothes to suit the conditions. Look up the weather online or on television.



  • What to Bring
  • Family Matters
  • Financial Arrangements

Below is a detailed list of what to bring:

  • Underwear
  • Sports Bra (females only) (another 3 are issued on arrival so don't pack too many)
  • Suit (or female equiv) (optional, most trainees wear a suit or similar when visiting Canberra)
  • Shirts (must have collar, be in good repair, with no explicit motifs)
  • Trousers / slacks (a pair of denim dress jeans in good repair are also advisable)
  • Skirt and Blouse (females only) (must be in good repair with no explicit motifs)
  • Jumper
  • Jacket (optional depending on season)
  • Pyjamas / Nightwear (required for first two nights only, issued pyjamas to be worn after issue at ARTC)
  • Shoes (to be worn with civilian clothes on local leave)
  • Thongs (for shower)
  • Towel x 1 (further towels issued on arrival)
  • Civilian Socks x 4 (socks will be issued for use in training. Females may bring pantihose)
  • Toiletry articles (including toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving gear; no electric shavers)
  • Iron
  • Iron cleaner
  • Polishing cloths
  • Stamped envelopes
  • Telstra Smart Phone Card or mobile Phone (Telstra Homelink, Homeaway and Telecard also acceptable)
  • Recharge cards for pre-paid mobile phones (optional; will have opportunity to purchase in Wagga during first local leave in week four, also available from post office on barracks)
  • 'Sports strap' (for personnel who wear glasses)
  • Coat hangers x 10 2 sets of trouser hangers recommended (non coloured wire only)
  • Running shoes
  • Prescription glasses x 2 (also bring a copy of the prescription)
  • Documentation Required
  • Medical Documentation (PM4 - Unit Medical Record)
  • ‘Inter-dependant relationship Pack' if applicable
  • Bank account number
  • Copy of Marriage Certificate
  • BSB number
  • Copy of dependants Birth Certificate
  • Tax File Number
  • Copy of lease agreement (Rental Assistance)
  • Copy of current rental receipts (Rental Assistance)

You are NOT to bring:

  • Cameras (including mobile phones with in-built camera)
  • Knives or any other weapon
  • Inappropriate material (including pornography)




Family are extremely important, and they will be a vital source of encouragement and support during your time as a recruit at ARTC. Prior to arriving at ARTC there are a number of things you should do:

  • Involve them in your decisions and preparation for a career in the Army. Even before you reach Kapooka talk to them about your decision to join, what jobs might interest you and about the recruiting process as you go through it. Even though the Army is constantly adapting to meet a fast paced and changing world some things remain the same, such as our values of courage, initiative and teamwork. If you have a family member who used to serve in the military they may be a good source of information and encouragement.
  • Make sure your family knows what demands will be placed on you during training. The better informed they are, the more they understand which leads to better support for you. Also tell them about the restrictions that will be placed on you such as mobile phone and personal administration time, especially for the first four weeks, so they know what to expect.
  • Get your important documents such as passports, birth certificates and citizenship papers together before you arrive. Make sure that your emergency contact and next of kin details are up to date and accurate. If you have any questions or concerns contact your local recruiting office.
  • Also make sure that your family (especially for those that are married and/or have dependants) are financially supported during your absence from home.




Shortly 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 (approximately $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. There is an ATM on base operated by Australian Defence Credit Union(ADCU) and the post office on base is an agent for the Commonwealth Bank. However, there are no other major banking facilities on base unless you wish to join either the ADCU or the Defence Force Credit Union (DEFCREDIT). Both of these have full facilities available and you can find out more by visiting their websites.

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. Remember, you will not be able to leave the base until the end of your fourth week in training.

Up to date information about pay and entitlements can be found on the Defence Jobs website