Our People in WA
Ben Enright - City Beach
Last year Ben Enright was finishing up Year 12 at Hale School and working part time at the Yelo Café on the beach.
But he’s having a Gap Year with a difference.
In February Ben farewelled his parents Susan and Mark, and he’s now testing himself to the max at the Army’s recruit training centre at Kapooka, near Wagga Wagga, NSW.
“I wanted to gain self-discipline, become more independent and serve the nation. So far it’s three out of three,” said Ben.
All soldiers below the rank of officer do their basic training at Kapooka. It’s an intense eleven weeks including weapon skills, combat first aid, navigating, and platoon level tactics.
The day starts with a bang at 6.00am and ends at 10.00pm. The recruits have 15 minutes to wash, dress and make their beds then, after breakfast, they could have PT, weapons training, pack-marches, and a lot of lectures ranging from Army Law to radios and night vision goggles.
“The 6.00am starts were very different!” said Ben. “So far it’s been good but hard. So long as I stick by it I know the rewards will come!
“Socially it’s like a new school — no one knows anyone but we have a common purpose. I can already see the advantages of the lifestyle. We want each other to do well.
“After Kapooka I’m hoping to go to Singleton to train as an infantryman, and then get posted to a unit. Then it will be decision-time in December about whether I stay for longer or head for uni!
“But everything depends on getting through Kapooka. My family are already planning to be here for the march-out parade so I’d better be in it.
“Then it will be back home for a very welcome beer at the Ocean Beach Hotel.”