RECRUIT TRAINING

Recruit training is the same for male and female entrants. During the four-week Reserve Recruit Training Course or 80 day Army Recruit 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.

Throughout your training you will wear a coloured tab on your chest which indicates the stage of training you are in. This is a motivational tool that provides feedback and recognition of your hard work by granting you additional privileges. The coloured tabs also allow 1 RTB staff to visually identify your current standard of training so that appropriate instructional corrective action can be taken.


To find out what training will really be like during these periods, choose a video from the gallery below.




  • Video
  • Drill
  • Fieldcraft
  • Weapons
  • Physical Training
  • Navigation
  • First Aid

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  • Red Tabs are to be worn by full-time recruits from arrival at ARTC. Stage 1 recruits are not to consume alcohol at any time unless authorised by the CO/CI.
  • Blue tabs are to be worn by full-time recruits from 1700 h on Friday of week three. Stage 2 recruits may consume alcohol IAW the training program. Recruits will also be scheduled to take their first lot of local leave at the end of the first week of blue tabs.
  • Gold tabs are to be worn by full-time recruits from 1700 h on Friday of week seven. Stage 3 recruits may use all KMA facilities IAW the training program (e.g. cinema, internet cafe etc). Local leave is in accordance with the training program.
  • Green tabs are to be worn by Army Reserve recruits throughout the RRTC. Reserve recruits are not to consume alcohol at any time unless authorised by the CO/CI.


The aim of drill is develop, in the individual solider, a sense of instinctive obedience which will assist him or her, at all times, to carry out their orders.  Drill of the highest precision is an exercise in self-discipline, alertness and obedience.  It sets the standard for the performance of individual unit duties and builds confidence between the commander and the subordinate which is essential to morale.





Throughout the 80 day recruit course fieldcraft is an essential skill taught to all soldiers. It involves learning how to work within a section and platoon scenario out in the bush. Recruits are taught lessons on such areas as:

  • Camouflage and concealment
  • Fire and movement
  • How to set up a section and platoon harbour
  • How to use all the military equipment issued to them.

The culmination of all fieldcraft is an exercise conducted in near by bushland, the recruits will test their stamina, determination and ability to work in a team by completing an Exercise Trained Soldier to put all the skills they have learnt into practice.




Marksmanship training is an integral link in the chain of Recruit training. The primary function is to facilitate lessons and range practices pertaining to the operation of the current in service weapon systems.

The range complex is situated within the confines of the Kapooka Military Area.
The complex comprises of a number of ranges, which are designed for different styles, and levels of shooting. Firstly the 25m range, which is primarily used for Recruit demonstration shoots and the initial Recruit-firing practise. This is a manual range allowing the firers and spectators to see the impact and firepower of different weapon systems at close hand. Secondly A Classification range which is a manual range in which firers can engage targets up to 300m, this range is used primarily for the basic shoots usually the second and or third live fire shoot that all Recruits undertake within Recruit training. The Marksmanship Training Range also has the ability to engage targets up to 300m, this is a mechanical/ computer operated range, and all Recruits will undertake the more advanced shoots on this range. There is also a Grouping and Zeroing Range is a 100m facility, which is also mechanical/computer operated, this range allows the fires to undertake their final elementary (basic) shoots, prior to attempting the advanced application of fire shoots.

Marksmanship training Section delivers instruction to Recruits starting from the basic principles of shooting then elaborates with the finer points of the application of fire. Marksmanship Training Section is also responsible for instruction to all staff, pertaining to the Art of Coaching on the Range and offers specialist-coaching techniques during the live fire shoots.

Without exception all Recruits are required to passes all live fire shoots during the duration of their course. One of the basic all corps soldier skills is the ability to shoot and shoot well, Marksmanship Training Section is designed to allow every Recruit within the 1st Recruit Training Battalion the opportunity to succeed.




The Recruit Training course runs over a period of 80 days and during this time you will have 39 physical training lessons. At first you will be introduced to new skills that will aid in improving and maintaining your fitness within the Army. As the course progresses you will continue to develop and improve during fitness assessments, and are expected to reach higher goals.

In order to complete this part of the course successfully, it is vital that you maintain a high level of fitness before arriving at Kapooka. As a minimum recruits on arrival must be able to complete 15 pushups (8 for females), 45 situps, and reach level 7.5 in the beep test.

Fitness lessons at Kapooka are usually tough, testing and very rewarding. Physical Training Instructors (PTIs) will guide you through activities such as obstacle courses, circuit training and strength and endurance training, which will build your confidence and fitness levels during your time at Kapooka. The instructors are there to see that you succeed, not fail. They will demand the best from you whilst offering you encouragement and support along the way.




At ARTC recruits will be taught how to navigate cross-country during day and night. Recruits are given theory lessons on all aspects of navigation and then apply this in a practical navigation scenario.

Recruits learn how to apply the following navigation skills:

  • read marginal information,
  • understand navigation techniques,
  • plot positions on a map,
  • determine their current location,
  • navigate to a set destination.

To confirm all theory lessons recruits complete a practical navigation exercise in open country.










At ARTC all recruits are trained in First Aid so that they are confident in providing First Aid in a military environment.

The training covers the following areas:

  • The principles of First Aid,
  • Managing an unconscious casualty,
  • Treating shock and minimising trauma,
  • CPR and EAR,
  • Controlling haemorrhage,
  • Managing burn injuries,
  • Treating common injuries,
  • Immobilising fractured bone,
  • Managing special wounds.

At the completion of the ARTC First Aid course recruits have obtained the equivalent to a St Johns Senior First Aid Certificate.