Barracks Life
While training at RMC is very time consuming there are also plenty of opportunities to relax and socialise. Whether single or married there are many extra-curricular activities to participate in while at the College. Corps and Company Dining In nights and Cadet Functions provide an excellent opportunity to interact with fellow cadets and their families as well as staff members in a more social setting.
SPORT
Sport is an essential element of life at the Royal Military College. It is compulsory for all cadets to play sport, or in cases of medical restriction, to be associated with a sporting club and team.
A sports parade is conducted two afternoons a week where the Corps gathers for announcements pertaining to teams, clubs and general sport news. Also, a sportsperson of the week is announced, with the recipient gaining a prize. After sports parade, which generally goes for 10 - 15 minutes, clubs depart to sports fields and courts to conduct training.
Cadets lead all training sessions, and the clubs are managed by a cadet committee. Most sports clubs enter a range of teams in local competitions. Sports available to cadets include; Rugby, Australian Rules, Soccer, Touch Football, Hockey, Netball, Basketball and Rowing. All equipment is provided, though cadets are able to use their own specific equipment if they have it.
INTER COMPANY SPORT
RMC cadets play sport against each other in inter-company competitions. Sports include Soccer, Rugby, Australian Rules, Volleyball, Netball and Basketball. This is a good chance for cadets to try a variety of sports and represent their Company.
Cadets also participate in external sporting events against ADFA, as well as engaging the wider Canberra community through regular competitions and other special sporting events, such as the HAC footy competition.
LEE SHIELD
The Lee Shield is an annual prize awarded to the Company with the highest aggregate points. Points are awarded for academic performance, drill competitions and inter-company sporting competitions. The Lee Shield determines which Company holds the title of Sovereigns Company for the following year.
PARADES
Every year, RMC conducts a number of important parades. Each parade marks an important aspect of the College's training or traditions. Two of these parades are detailed below. For information on the other major parades click here.
LANYARD PARADE
Lanyard Parade is conducted by Third Class cadets on the completion of their Initial Cadet Training. It signifies their formal acceptance into the Corps of Staff Cadets (CSC). Families are welcome to attend this parade, which is followed by the new cadets' first opportunity to depart the College on local leave.
BANNER PARADE
The Banner Parade is held one week before the Full-Time Officer Graduation Parade in December each year. During this parade the Queen Elizabeth II Banner is transferred to the new Champion Company. This Company then assumes the title of Sovereign's Company. On receipt of the banner the Company moves to their rightful spot on the parade ground, that being the right of the line.
LEAVE
Although the training at RMC is intensive, you will get leave (holidays) to rest, relax and unwind. While in training, cadets usually have Saturday afternoons and Sunday off. This means that you could travel to Sydney to watch a football game or stay in town and see the sights of the Nation's Capital.
LEAVE PERIODS
Holidays or leave periods at RMC are similar to Universities. Every three months you will be given leave. During mid-semester you will have a week off and at end of semester you will usually get two weeks. This leave is your chance to go home and unwind with family or friends. Over the Christmas period, you will have around four weeks to rest and relax or travel. To help you visit your next of kin, the Army will pay for you to travel to your next of kin's address up to three times a year or five times over the full 18-month course.
LOCAL LEAVE AREA
The Local Canberra Region is defined as:
- Sydney to the north. This extands no further north than Richmond or Hornsby
- From Nowra down to Merimbula along the South Coast
- The Snow Fields of NSW to the south west
- Wagga Wagga to the west
On weekends, cadets may proceed on local leave from the completion of duty on Friday until 2100h on Sunday unless required for dury during that period. Duty includes Company admin.
LEAVE DRESS
While on leave, you do not wear your uniform, however, the College expects you to be well dressed when you leave the College grounds. You are not expected to wear a coat and tie; you can wear jeans and T-shirts as long as they are not faded or ripped or have slogans that may be offensive. Make sure you read the RMC dress policy before you arrive to ensure you pack the right clothes!