RECRUIT INSTRUCTOR BENEFITS
1ST Recruit Training Battalion is one of the few units in the Australian Army that has implemented a Respite Policy. 1 RTB places a high priority on the management of Staff Respite to ensure personnel are effectively managed.
The very structured nature of the 1 RTB training programs offers the Unit unique opportunities to effectively plan staff respite to meet individual Recruit Instructor (RI) requirements. As such 1 RTB can plan respite with a high degree of certainty. The Recruit Throughput Plan provides 1 RTB staff with the freedom of manoeuvre to plan leave/duties/allocations to maximise individuals RI's respite opportunities.
Leave Management. Additional to the leave credits granted yearly, staff members are 1 RTB are also granted:
- Three days short leave (OC's grant) post march out of a platoon;
- A block of five days CO's leave grant (FSL) every six months;
- A maximum of five days ERL; and
- Out of an 80 days training program and RI can anticipate up to 12 days rest during ARC and approximately ten days leave after march-out, subject to scheduling.
The Curriculum. The training curriculum at 1 RTB has been designed to afford opportunities for staff to take short leave and general downtime throughout the program.
Allocations and Duties. RI's are to he given a minimum two weeks advance warning of allocations and generally a four week warning for all duties. On average an RI can expect two duties per month.
Financial Gains and Recognition. To assist with the unique demands of serving within the Recruit Training environment, the Recruit Instructor Bonus provides a Recruit Instructor with an opportunity to be paid an additional $30,000 (taxed) for a two year posting. Different qualifiying conditions exist depending on the nature of training being conducted (ARA, Reserve Recruit Training Course). For those who do not qualify for the annual bonus, there may be opportunities for pro-rata payments to be made to members who qualify.
Family and work balance. All commanders within the 1 RTB are proactive in supporting our families. The Respite Policy has been formulated to ensure that all members of the unit can achieve a happy family and work balance. Battalion Staff are to be afforded the time to address, what could be considered reasonable, family issues. The curriculum and leave management guidelines provided in the policy allow ample time for eh chain of command and unit members to work in concert to ensure this balance is achieved.
Sport and Leisure Activities. While Recruit Training is our core business within 1 RTB every staff member is to be given the opportunity to utilise their spare time to play sport and where possible attend related activities such as sports training.