Normal RCB deployments last for 3 months or approximately 90 days depending on aircraft availability.

All normal Australian and Malyasian customs regulations will be met on departure and re-entry to Australia. Malaysia is a Muslim country and the customs officials will carry out rigurous checks of all baggage entering the country through Butterworth. If you are unsure if something is inappropriate for Malaysia please ask. As an example reading material such as Ralph, FHM, etc. are considered by Malaysian Customs as innapropriate and will be confiscated.

The members of RCB enter Malaysia through RAAF Base Butterworth and enter using either their Military ID card or personal passport. Key personnel will be issued an Official passport. Using your passport gives the added benefit of being able to leave Malaysia during periods of standown.

Travel to Malaysia for RCB members will be via the RAAF and will be either on a C-130 Hercules or Boeing 707 depending on RAAF tasking and availability at the time. The Recce and Advance party will travel by civilian air.

Training in Malaysia attracts several extra allowances that are based on what is referred to as "short term duty overseas". Several of these allowances will be paid direct to your account while others will go into your pay and; depending on unit arrangements, allowances can also be paid in cash. Note: you must ensure your ATM card is valid and that it has had an overseas access check done with your financial institution, otherwise banks may cancel your card suspecting fraudulent activity. The allowances are currently:
- Overseas short term travelling allowance
- Hardship allowance
- Field allowance
Service in Malaysia also attracts a change of pay zone see your UPR* for details
* For UPR clarification please contact the CClk 2/30 TRG GP

There are numerous travel and leave restrictions that you must adhere to while you are on duty in Malaysia. Travel restrictions are placed on several Asian countries and holiday destinations and before planning any travel please check with the unit USO for advice. When on leave in Malaysia there are several important restrictions imposed, these are aimed at your safety and security and will be detailed to you during the cultural and awareness familiarisation training normally in your first week.

Accommodation is provided on base in modern air conditionined and furnished facilities with dining mess, sporting amenities, food kiosk, and other facilities such as a local tailor and shop.

Mail is important and 324 CSS (RAAF) located at Butterworth operate a full postal service. Full details of mail charges and packaging will be made available to you prior to or on arrival. Your unit address while in Butterworth is:

Number, Rank, Int, Name
Rifle Company Butterworth
AFPO2
International Mail Centre
SYDNEY NSW 2890

Leave is up to the discretion of the OC RCB on advice from CO 2/30 TRG GP and may include local day or overnight/weekend leave, and it may also include extended leave periods of up to 10 days. Leave remains subject to the maintenance of the duty system and any local or regional restrictions in place.

Yes. Leave and travel restrictions may be in place due to local or regional restrictions such as safety and travel warnings, and leave may also be withdrawn for conduct and discipline reasons.

Normal neat casual attire applies. Penang and Butterworth have a more relaxed dress sense but as Defence members you are required to keep up a good appearance at all times. Clothing is to be non-offensive, in good condition, and enclosed footwear should be worn when away from swimming areas.

Local leave travel for short-term absence from duty is usually limited to the island of Penang and the immediate region. Extended breaks are generally only limited by current Defence/Government travel restrictions. Current restrictions in the region include travel in/through Southern peninsula Thailand and such restrictions are available through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and/or the Defence website. Popular travel destinations for previous RCB members include the islands and cities of Thailand, Bali, Singapore, and the Malaysian resort island of Langkawi to the north of the island of Penang (just off the coast of Butterworth which is located on mainland Malaysia). Check out our [Information - Regional/Cultural] section for further information.

In most instances you can arrange to meet your family and friends on extended periods of leave. Ensure you seek advice prior to the arrangement of any bookings as restrictions such as safety and travel warnings may give grounds for non-approval.