The method of entry to RMC-D is dependant on an applicant's background, be it civilian, in-service or as an Army graduate of the Australian Defence Force Academy.
To commence training at RMC-D, applicants must have the potential to become effective Army Officers.
Civilian applicants
The selection of civilian applicants for training at RMC-D is coordinated by Defence Force Recruiting. Applicants must meet all physical, psychological and aptitude standards.
Read more about becoming a leader on Defence Jobs.
In-service applicants
Current members of the ADF can apply by submitting a form PE 063 (Application by Serving Member for Appointment as an Officer) via their chain of command. More information regarding this process can be found on the Defence intranet.
The Part Time General Service Officer First Appointment Course commissions general service officers for the Army Reserve. It is delivered in five individual training blocks and a series of non-residential modules to reduce the complexities faced by Army Reservists in balancing their officer training requirements with their other commitments, such as civilian occupations.
Training blocks
Training Block 1: Military Foundation Skills is also known as the Reserve Recruit Training Course and is conducted at the Army Recruit Training Centre, Kapooka, near Wagga Wagga in NSW. Qualified soldiers who are selected to become officers may be granted recognition for this training and would normally commence the PT GSO FAC at Training Block 2. This training block is 35 days long.
Training Blocks 2-4: During these training blocks, candidates progress from small military team leader theory through to team command, leadership and management. Each is 16 days long and all are delivered by Sydney University Regiment in NSW.
Training Block 5: This block, known as the All Corps Army Reserve Platoon Commander course, is 28 days long and is conducted at RMC-D in Canberra. This training block confirms candidates have all the attributes, skills and values to become an officer in the Army Reserve. It also confirms that they have the leadership, management, operational skills and knowledge required for a junior officer to command a platoon on peace and stability operations.
Physical fitness
All candidates selected for the Part Time General Service Officer First Appointment Course are required to pass a Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) prior to commencing training.
Further information is available on Fitness in the ADF.
The physical training guides below are designed to assist you in preparing to meet the physical demands of training.
The Specialist Service Officer course is the first course for specialist officers and is the induction to Service life. It introduces and develops the SSO with the skills, knowledge and attitudes required of an officer in the Australian Army. The course material focuses on skills required of a specialist officer to exercise command, demonstrate leadership, manage personnel and resources, plan operations and train subordinates.
Modules
Module 1: Module 1 is conducted over 26 training days. Module 1 introduces candidates to all-corps subjects such as combat first aid, fire arms training with a service rifle, service communications equipment, the military justice system, individual combat skills and navigation training. Module 1 is primarily conducted in the barracks environment.
Module 2: Module 2 is conducted over 16 training days. Module 2 introduces candidates to Army leadership, customs and traditions of the Army, Defence communication and writing, unit and personnel administration as well as military risk management procedures. Foundation tactical and operational concepts are also introduced in this module. Module 2 is conducted in both camp and field environments.
Physical fitness
All candidates selected for the Specialist Service Officer First Appointment Course are required to pass an Individual Fitness Assessment at the commencement of the course.
Further information is available on Fitness in the ADF.
The Australian Regular Army Officer Commissioning Course (ARA OCC) commissions general service officers for the Australian Regular Army. It is eighteen months long and is split into three classes of six months duration each, progressing chronologically from III Class to I Class. The course is conducted at the Royal Military College – Duntroon in Canberra. Each year RMC-D accepts new trainees for the ARA OCC via two intakes, January and July.
Joining Instructions
RMC-D releases a Joining Instruction each intake for civilian and in-service applicants selected to commence training. Defence Force Recruiting will disseminate the Joining Instruction to civilian applicants and in-service members will receive their Joining Instruction via their chain of command.
The Joining Instruction utilises four enclosures, which can be accessed via the below links:
Enclosure 1 - Duntroon Map (PDF, 700KB)
Enclosure 2 - Physical Bridging Period Conditioning Program (PDF, 5MB)
Enclosure 3 - Bridging Period Conditioning Program - Guide (PDF, 1.5MB)
Enclosure 4 - Duntroon Service Residence Housing Request Form (PDF, 500KB)
Single Service Training
Single Service Training is delivered by RMC-D for Army Officer Cadets at the Australian Defence Force Academy during their three year program and is aligned with competencies achieved during III Class.