You can expect the first call home on the night of the raise on the first Tuesday to say they have arrived, then they will have little opportunity to phone home for the next two weeks. The first few hours on arrival at Kapooka are very hectic - the recruits will have very little time to think about calling home, tough most will probably think about home from time to time.
The first few hours and days at Kapooka are often very challenging for the recruit. Your son/daughter/partner will most likely have a range of emotions, including homesickness; many may question their reason for joining the Army. Living in such a regimented and structured environment can come as quite a shock. Some feel intimidated by others in their platoon, who they perceive to be fitter, older, or stronger. Some recruits will make friends easily, for others it will be more difficult; though recruits live in a four-person room, and they generally make friends with their room-mates very quickly.
Your son/daughter/partner may express many of these emotions when they phone home, especially in the early stages of training. At this stage of their training they need your encouragement and support; focus on the positive aspects of why they made the decision to join the army. The course is not easy, but it is fair and can be passed with application.
If you have any real concerns for the welfare of your son/daughter/partner please phone the recruit’s Platoon Commander on the number provided in the letter that was sent out to you just after the recruit’s arrival at 1RTB. There is also a duty officer on 24 hours a day who can be contacted via mobile phone 0428 270769.