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The commandos guide to adf basic training

The commandos guide to adf basic training

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • ADF Basic Training builds the foundation for every soldier — focusing on physical fitness, mental resilience, discipline, teamwork, and core military skills like weapons handling and navigation.

  • The Kapooka Recruit Training (1 RTB, Wagga Wagga) transforms civilians into soldiers over 12 weeks, instilling the values and mindset essential for military life.

  • Through the Axons Unleashed podcast, real ADF members share authentic stories of their time at Kapooka and beyond — highlighting leadership, camaraderie, and personal growth.

  • The Royal Military College, Duntroon (RMC-D) represents the next stage for aspiring leaders, offering an 18-month program blending strategy, field training, and leadership development.

  • Podcast episodes explore life after service, covering transition challenges, mental health, and the importance of lifelong learning within and beyond the ADF.

  • At its core, the ADF journey is about resilience, leadership, and transformation — lessons that extend far beyond the battlefield into every aspect of life.

 
In the 21st century, the qualities and values of a soldier remain as critical as ever—requiring not just physical toughness but mental resilience too. For those looking to serve in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), the journey begins at basic training. This formative experience sets the stage for a soldier’s career, shaping them into disciplined, team-oriented, and resilient individuals.
 

Why is ADF Basic Training so important? 

 
Basic training is the backbone of a soldier’s development, building skills like weapons handling, navigation, and fieldcraft. But it’s also about something deeper: the discipline, routine, and teamwork that prepare soldiers for the complexities of military life. The struggle through these challenges is what shapes you into a soldier—ready for the next phase of training and, ultimately, a career of service.
 
Our podcast, Axons Unleashed, was born with the vision to raise awareness for the ADF community, as well as encouraging conversations and support within the wider community by sharing transparent & real stories of ADF transitions.  
 

The Kapooka Experience  

As a soldier in the Army, you must first complete the ‘Recruit Training at 1st Recruit Training Battalion (1 RTB), Kapooka, approximately 10 km southwest of Wagga Wagga in NSW. 
 
During this three-month period, you will make the transition from civilian to soldier by developing and implementing all the skills and values required for a soldier, including: Weapons handling and shooting, combat skills, first aid, teamwork, time management and resilience and fieldcraft & navigation.
 
Before beginning the next phase of recruit training, you must be able to employ weapons effectively, navigate and operate comms equipment, survive in threatening environments, and be mentally and physically prepared for close combat. 
 
Did you know? Blamey Barracks was named after one of Australia’s most distinguished soldiers and the only Aussie ever to hold the rank of Field Marshall. ‘Sir Thomas Blamey’ (an Australian general of WW1 & WW2).
 
Did you know? The Kapooka community is embraced by the people of Wagga Wagga and the Riverina region. The name ‘Kapooka’ is derived from the local aboriginal dialect and means “Place of Winds”.  
 
The Stories Behind the Training 
 
Through our podcast, Axons Unleashed , we aim to share real, transparent stories of ADF transitions, bringing awareness to the ADF community and encouraging conversations within the wider public. Here are a few episodes where the experiences at Kapooka are brought to life:
 
1. Robbie’s Kapooka Experience as a 17-Year-Old

In this episode, our co-founder Robbie Turner shares what it was like stepping off the bus at Kapooka as a young recruit. His transformation from a civilian to soldier began here, shaping his military career and leadership philosophy.

 
2. You Trusted Me With Your Country 

These days, Shaun Spain is busy running the team of Bespoke Gold Coast Realty (BGCR). Take it back 15 years ago, to the very first day of his illustrious military career when he jumped off the bus at Kapooka and first met the bellowing Bombardier, Robbie Turner. 

 

3. The Culture of Leadership

Leadership lessons from Kapooka to Afghanistan—Robbie and Clint Hynes discuss their experiences at Kapooka, deployment, and the invaluable leadership skills they developed along the way.

Beyond Kapooka: Duntroon
Kapooka may be where the journey begins, but for those looking to transition into leadership roles, the Royal Military College, Duntroon (RMC-D) is the next step. Robbie had the opportunity to make this transition from soldier to officer through the Army Senior Non-Commissioned Officer and Warrant Officer Commissioning Scheme (ASWOCS), eventually becoming an instructor at RMC-D.
 
RMC-D balances classroom learning, where cadets are taught military strategy and history, with field exercises that put their training into practice. It’s here that cadets learn the values of duty, loyalty, and service while developing critical management and leadership skills.
 
The 18-month program not only prepares them for leadership roles in the Army but also instills a “never stop learning” attitude that drives their personal and professional development.
Did you know? Duntroon was built in 1833 by Robert Campbell, a Scottish man who named it after his family’s ancestral home in Argyllshire, Scotland. It was originally a sheep station and is a picture-book example of early Australian architecture.

Preparing for Transition: Stories from Duntroon
 
Through our podcast, we explore the various stages of an ADF career, from basic training to leadership roles at Duntroon. Here are some episodes that highlight the journey beyond Kapooka:
 
Matt Lodden, who initially pursued a career in the ADF to become a pilot, shares his journey of continued education. From military service to becoming an instructor at RMC-D, Matt’s story highlights the importance of lifelong learning and the many paths one can take in the ADF.
 
2. Preparing For Transition 
Josh Fink, one of Robbie’s former cadets, shares his story of military service, starting with his two grandfathers who served in WWII. Josh’s journey from the military to civilian life highlights the challenges of transition and finding your feet post-service.
 
3. Every Member of the Defence Community Needs To Listen 
In this powerful episode, Robbie is joined by Joe Losinno, National Manager of Psychology at Soldier On. Together, they discuss the psychological aspects of separating from the ADF, offering insights and support for those going through the process. Reflecting on the conversation, Robbie says, “Why did I not hear this stuff when I separated from the ADF 8 years ago?” This episode provides essential guidance for navigating the mental and emotional challenges of military transitions.
 
Basic training is more than just the start of a military career-it’s the foundation that shapes ADF soldiers into the resilient, disciplined, and team-oriented individuals they need to be. Whether it’s the rigorous training at Kapooka or the leadership development at Duntroon, the lessons learned in the ADF last a lifetime.
At Axon, we’re proud to share these stories through our Axons Unleashed podcast, connecting the ADF community with the wider public. These stories are not just about military life—they’re about resilience, leadership, and the journey of transformation that every soldier goes through.
If you’re ready to learn more about the ADF and hear these incredible stories firsthand, check out our podcast and follow us for more updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ADF basic training designed to teach?

ADF basic training builds the foundations of military life — physical fitness, mental resilience, discipline, teamwork, and core skills like weapons handling, navigation and fieldcraft.

Army recruits complete Recruit Training at 1st Recruit Training Battalion (1 RTB) Kapooka, near Wagga Wagga NSW, over roughly three months (12 weeks).

The page highlights training in weapons handling and shooting, combat skills, first aid, teamwork, time management, resilience, communications, and fieldcraft & navigation.

It’s described as the “backbone” of a soldier’s development — not just technical skills, but the discipline, routine and teamwork that prepare soldiers for the realities of military life.

For those moving into leadership pathways, the page points to the Royal Military College, Duntroon (RMC-D) as the next stage, with an 18-month program combining classroom learning and field training focused on leadership and professional development.

The article uses Axon’s Axons Unleashed podcast to share real stories from ADF members about Kapooka, leadership development, and broader topics like transition and mental health support after service.