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The Commandos gUIDE TO ADF BASIC TRAINING

In order to display the qualities & values of a soldier in the 21st century, soldiers need to be physically tough and mentally resilient.

Why is ADF Basic Training important?

Basic training is the backbone of discipline in the Army, and it’s critical for understanding the importance of routine, discipline & teamwork and the struggle through those challenges will shape you into a soldier.

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.

KAPOOKA BASIC TRAINING

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 of a soldier, including:

Weapons handling and shooting
Combat skills
First aid
Teamwork
Time management and resilience
Fieldcraft & navigation

You must be able to employ weapons effectively, navigate, and operate comms equipment, survive in threat environments, and be prepared for close combat, mentally and physically, before beginning the next phase of recruit training.

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”.

Kapooka Episodes on the Axons Unleashed Podcast:

1. Robbie’s Kapooka Experience as a 17-Year-Old

What type of young man do you think Robbie was? Forget that; what kind of young SOLDIER do you think he was? Find out from the man himself as he discusses joining the military and what getting off the bus at Kapooka was like.

2. 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

Join RT as he chats leadership with Clint Hynes, from a ropes course at Kapooka to deployment in Afghanistan. Hear this amazing catch up as Robbie and Clint talk about old friends, war stories and most importantly the lessons learned in the ADF that formed the culture of their leadership.

DUNTROON ADF BASIC TRAINING

Robbie had the opportunity to change from a soldier to an officer through the ASWOCS program, meaning he got to complete his training at the Royal Military College, Duntroon.

‘RMC-D’ is a balance between the classroom, where you will learn everything from military history to strategy, and in the field, where classwork is put into practice.

There’s a strong focus on instilling Defence values and teaching you essential management and leadership skills. This 18-month-long training prepares cadets for leadership and integrity by inculcating a sense of duty, loyalty and service, trying to teach a ‘never stop learning’ attitude and understanding the ‘why’ to cadets is so essential.

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.

1. Preparing For Transition

Listen to Josh’s incredible story of military service, starting with his two grandfathers serving in WWII to his transition and finding his feet after the military. Robbie is joined by Josh Fink, his former cadet from RMC-D.

2. You Trusted Me With Your Country

3. Every Member of the Defence Community Needs To Listen

Joined by National Manager of Psychology at Soldier On, Joe Losinno, in Robbie’s own words: “why did I not hear this stuff when I separated from the ADF 8 years ago?”.

In a mind-blowing episode, Joe thoroughly breaks down his military career and eventual separation (including having RT as his leadership instructor at RMC-D). He explains the processes and behaviours that will resonate with all of you!