Medical ExaminationENSURE THEY ARE 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 expect recruits to draw upon their own judgement and common sense when it comes to packing their suitcase.

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

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

Some guidelines on what civilian clothing they should bring are as follows:

Recruits should think about the time of year they will be at Kapooka and bring suitable, comfortable clothes to suit the conditions. They should look up the weather online or on television.



  • What to Bring
  • Family Matters
  • Financial Arrangements

Below is a detailed list of what your family member should 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)

Recruits 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 you will be a vital source of encouragement and support during their time as a recruit at ARTC. Prior to arriving at ARTC there are a number of things recruits should do:

  • Involve you in their decisions and preparation for their career in the Army. Even before they reach Kapooka talk to them about their decision to join, what jobs might interest them and about the recruiting process as they 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 or another family member has served in the military they may be a good source of information and encouragement.
  • Make sure you are aware of the demands that will be placed on the recruit during training. The better informed you are, the more you will understand which leads to better support for your family member. Also tell make sure your are aware of the restrictions that will be placed on your family member such as mobile phone and personal administration time, especially for the first four weeks, so you know what to expect.
  • Your family member should get important documents such as passports, birth certificates and citizenship papers together before they arrive. They also need to make sure that their emergency contact and next of kin details are up to date and accurate. If you have any questions or concerns, the recruit should contact their local recruiting office.
  • Also make sure that the recruit's family (especially if they are married and/or have dependants) are financially supported during their absence from home.




Shortly after their arrival at ARTC, recruits will receive a pay advance of $100.00, however, it is recommended that they bring a small amount of money (approximately $20) with them to purchase ancillary items that they may require. This pay advance is to purchase items necessary for personal administration. Subsequent pay will be placed into their 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 recruits wish to join either the ADCU or the Defence Force Credit Union (DEFCREDIT). Both of these have full facilities available and recruits can find out more by visiting their websites.

Your family member should ascertain the current Net Rate of pay from their recruiting unit and ensure that it is sufficient to cover all of their financial commitments. If it is not, they should make alternate arrangements to meet their financial obligations. There is little opportunity to rectify these problems once training has commenced. Particular attention should be made to personal banking arrangements. Remember, your family member will not be able to leave the base until the end of their fourth week in training.

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