The Army Reserve offers an experience that's far from ordinary. From the flexible commitment to the world-class training you'll receive, it has never been easier to keep your day job, whilst serving your nation.

TRAIN TO BE YOUR BEST

Fitness and training are a big part of Army life, but military training is nothing to be afraid of. The Army understands that everyone has different levels of fitness, so each course is designed to help you increase your core strength and endurance levels — at a pace that's challenging, yet achievable.

You'll undergo physical training and basic weapons combat training including night fighting, navigation, drills and advanced field-craft.

Flexible Commitment

Everyone in the Army Reserve has a life. They're civilians just like you. They have jobs, family commitments, sporting activities and social lives. That's why the Army is flexible with Reservists.

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You'll work a minimum of twenty days a year as a Reservist, though there are opportunities to do further training exercises and deployments. And remember, if your Reservist activities clash with your existing civilian commitments, simply speak to us about organising time off for things that are important to you whether it's uni exams, your football final or family commitments.

Initial training: Join the Army Reserve as a soldier and you'll need to complete an initial training course at Kapooka (10 mins out of Wagga Wagga, NSW). In this 28-day course, you'll learn about weapons, first aid, navigation, communications and surviving in the field.

This initial course isn't easy. It's a challenge. But it has been designed to help you succeed, not fail. And you'll be under the guidance of instructors whose job it is to help you pass.

Job training: After you have completed your training at Kapooka, the next step is your Initial Employment Training (IET). Here, you'll learn the specific skills needed for your role. For example, if you've chosen to serve in the Signals Corps, you'll learn things like radio operating procedures, frequency theory and encryption methods.

IET training generally takes place close to your area, though you may be required to travel interstate. This training typically takes between two to seven weeks, but you can choose to do it in one block or break up the modules over 18 months. Once you finish, you'll be a fully qualified soldier in the Army Reserve.

If you join as a Specialist Service Officer, you'll undertake a two-week course where you'll learn the military skills required of a Specialist Officer. If you're a qualified specialist looking to use your existing skills in the Army Reserve, you'll need to complete this introductory course.

To become a General Service Officer in the Army Reserve, you will complete the same basic training as soldiers plus an additional, more extensive training program. This program will teach you the skills to think as a leader not just within the Army Reserve, but in any situation or environment.

Most officer courses are initially conducted in various locations around Australia before completion at Royal Military College, Duntroon. The course is modulated and usually runs part-time over a two-year period.

General Service Officer training is broken down as follows:

  1. 1. Military Foundation Skills

    You'll begin with the Reserve Recruit Training Course, a 28-day military training course at Kapooka (near Wagga Wagga, NSW). This is the same training all soldier recruits must undertake; therefore qualified soldiers may be exempt.

  2. 2. Small Military Team Leader Theory

    This 16-day module takes place at Cultana, SA, in April and September. Here, you'll build on the skills introduced at Recruit Training and learn new operational, weapons and navigation skills.

  3. 3. Small Military Team Leader

    This 16-day module takes place at Singleton, NSW, in April and September. You'll learn leadership, command, and management skills plus military administration.

  4. 4. Command, Leadership and Management

    This 16-day module takes place at Puckapunyal, Victoria in January and July. You'll be tested on what you have already learnt, as well as building on your skills as a Small Team Leader. You'll also gain qualifications in the conduct of military live fire weapons range practices.

  5. 5. All Corps Army Reserve Platoon Commander

    This 28-day module takes place at Majura (near Canberra), ACT in January and July. You'll learn the leadership, management, and operational skills needed to command a platoon. Once you've completed this module, you'll become a Lieutenant in the Australian Army Reserve.
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