Initial Training

Recruit Training for Soldiers

Your training begins with 28 days of challenging training at the Army Recruit Training Centre at Kapooka in New South Wales. It is here where all soldiers train and where you'll receive expert training under some of the Army's best instructors. No one is saying this training will be easy, but it is all achievable and when you make it, it's a great feeling. Just ask anyone who's done it before. Where possible, this training will be arranged to fit in with any other commitments you may have. If you're studying or just finished school, then this is a great way to develop new skills and earn cash.

You'll be trained in the skills all soldiers need. During your time at Kapooka you will be taught and tested on drill both personal and weapon, weapon handling and firing, physical training and Army ethics. When you have completed basic Recruit training you will have reached the standard of a basic soldier. You will have developed the qualities and acquired the knowledge, skills and attitudes which are necessary to progress further in the Army. For further details, read the Joining Instruction for recruit course.

Initial Employment Training

Having completed your recruit training you then need to be trained for the role you will undertake within the Battalion. In most cases you will undertake an Infantry course, which consists of two modules conducted regionally.

Module 1: 15 days continuous training (weapons and range practices).
Module 2: 17 days continuous training (field craft and field exercises).

Ongoing Commitment

Your commitment after completing your basic training is a minimum of 30 days per year with a 2-week continuous training or exercise phase. You can do a maximum of 70 - 100 days per year.

Officer Training

Officer Training is different to soldier training. Training takes place at the Western Australia University Regiment with a six-week recruit course, followed by a nine month course (broken into separate continuous modules and normal Tuesday night and weekends - tied in around civilian work commitments) learning leadership principles, Tactics, operational administration, Army ethics, Human Resources and ceremonial drill. At the end of this you will be posted to Royal Military Collage (RMC) for a seven-week block period. At the end of this you will graduate as a Lieutenant. You will then be posted to a unit in charge of a Platoon of 30 soldiers and start an exciting part time career in the Army. You can also transfer to the Full Time Army and carry on your career there if you so desire.

Ongoing Commitment

Your commitment after completing your basic training is a minimum of 30 days per year with a 2-week continuous training or exercise phase. You can do a maximum of 70 - 100 days per year and in some cases up to 150 days per year