Employment Training

Other Ranks (Non Technical)

Infantry Initial Employment Training: 72 days

Those of you who successfully complete recruit training, and are assessed as suitable to continue with the scheme by the Special Forces Interview Board, will attend the standard 72 day RAInf (ECN343) Basic Rifleman Course at the School of Infantry, Singleton NSW. Again, you will complete this training as a single platoon of potential candidates for service in Special Forces. At the School of Infantry you will be trained and qualified in basic infantry tactics and a range of specialist infantry weapons and equipment.

Candidates who are unable to successfully complete their Infantry training will not be permitted to continue with the scheme. In this case you will be encouraged to undertake training for one of the critical support trades within the Special Forces or in the general Army. If you accept either of these options, you will be given another offer.

If you do accept an offer to serve in a critical support trade in Special Forces or the general Army, you can apply again for Commando (ECN 079) selection and training after you have completed 12 months of general Army service.

Special Forces Advanced Infantry Training Program: 8 Weeks

As a successful RAInf graduate, you will complete eight weeks of Special Forces preparation training, known as the Special Forces Advanced Infantry Training Program, conducted at the Special Forces Training Centre, Singleton, NSW. The Special Forces Advanced Infantry Training Program is designed to prepare you for the Special Forces Entry Test and subsequent Commando reinforcement training. This accelerated training will enhance your physiological and psychological conditioning as well as provide you with some essential competencies.

The Advanced Infantry Training program provides an opportunity for you to apply the knowledge and skills developed during recruit and IET. It will provide you with further training in navigation, communications, first aid, and field-craft. It also provides additional knowledge and skills, such as instinctive weapon handling - which is the ability to engage targets without aiming. During this training we also aim to develop your tactical awareness.

The Advanced Infantry Training program also compresses the 13 week Special Forces Physical Training Package undertaken by Special Forces recruits already serving in the ADF.

Put simply, we aim to provide you with more knowledge and skills, make you battle fit and mentally tougher. This training will increase your chance of success during Commando training. Most importantly, we aim to build your sense of commitment and motivation to becoming a Commando.

How will you know if you have successfully achieved the requirements of this training? You will be tested on the Special Forces Entry Test.

Special Forces Training

Before commencing your Commando initial employment training, you will be required to show that you are committed, motivated and capable of withstanding the severe physical and environmental stresses associated with the reinforcement training and service in a Commando unit. These will be assessed during the Special Forces Entry Test.

The Special Forces Entry Test

The Special Forces Entry Test is conducted over approximately an 18 to 20 hour period and includes a range of physical and theoretical assessments. It is designed to determine your suitability for entry into a Special Forces program. To be assessed as suitable, you are required to complete the following activities:

• Complete a fitness assessment requiring a minimum of:
  • 60 Push-ups;
  • 100 Sit-ups; and
  • 10 Chin-ups (Heaves).
• Complete a 2.4 km run in patrol order (running shoes, personal webbing and rifle) in 11 minutes 30 seconds or less.
• Complete a 15 km endurance march in marching order (28 Kg including a pack, personal webbing and rifle) in less than 2 Hours and 20 minutes.
• Tread water for two minutes and then swim 400 metres fully clothed (in disruptive pattern camouflage uniform) in 18 minutes or less.
• Complete a Run, Jump and Dodge Test.
• Complete a theoretical navigation test.

You will be given plenty of opportunity to prepare you for this test.

At the conclusion of a Special Forces Entry Test, a Selection Advisory Committee will be convened to determine whether you have the potential for service in Special Forces and whether you are suitable to attend Commando reinforcement training. Their determination will be made on your performance at recruit training, infantry training, and the Advanced Infantry Training program, and on your results from the Entry Test.

You may at the completion of your Special Forces Entry Test, if it is determined appropriate by the Selection Advisory Committee, be given the opportunity to attempt a Special Air Service - Selection Course and subsequent Special Air Service reinforcement training. However, this will be by exception.

If this is your desire, and you are not given the opportunity at this point, If you successfully complete your Commando reinforcement training you will be eligible to apply to attend a Special Air Service - Selection Course after you have served for a period of two years as a Commando. Personnel who do this are far more likely to be successful.

Candidates who do not pass the Special Forces Entry Test and are not recommended by the Selection Advisory Committee will be encouraged to undertake training for critical support trades within Special Forces (or within the general Army) through the provision of another offer.

In summary, this phase of your training will get you to a point where you are assessed as suitable to commence Commando Initial Employment Training. It will take you at least 27 weeks to reach this point, depending on the length of your recruit training. Your next phase of training is your Commando Initial Employment Training.

Commando Initial Employment Training

This is the initial training required to become a Commando. Once you have successfully completed your Special Forces Entry Test and have been recommended, you will undertake the same Commando Initial Employment Training regime required of any Defence person who wishes to serve in a Commando unit. You will be required to meet the current stringent performance and training standards described in the relevant training management packages for Commando training.

Your Commando Initial Employment Training will consist of:

• Special Forces Weapons Course (1 Week); and
• Commando Training Course (4 Weeks).

Your first course is the Special Forces Weapons Course.

Special Forces Weapons Course: 1 Week

The Special Forces weapons course provides you with additional weapons qualifications. This seven day course trains and qualifies Commando reinforcements in the operation of individual weapon systems, integral to the Commando unit.
At this stage, all Commando personnel are trained and qualified to operate the M4 Carbine and associated attachments, and the 9 mm Self-Loading Pistol. The weapons qualifications obtained on this course are in addition to the standard Infantry weapons taught on the Infantry IET.

During this course, you will also be taught to use a range of aiming devices including those that can be used at night.

This course involves a considerable amount of firing using live ammunition on a static range. Once you have mastered this, you can then progress to employing your Commando weapons in a field firing environment, again using live ammunition. You do this on the Commando Training Course.

Commando Training Course: 4 weeks

Having mastered basic Infantry skills during the Infantry IET and Advanced Infantry Training, the Commando training course is designed to build on these and develop Commando specific team, section, and platoon tactics, techniques and procedures. These tactics, techniques and procedures are required for the range of Commando-specific tasks, conducted in a field operational environment. This is a challenging and arduous course that is conducted over 26 days.

A large part of this course is focused on the employment of Commando individual weapon systems in the field operational environment. Therefore, much of the course is conducted in the field. The course also requires Commando reinforcements to participate in live-fire, field firing activities, conducted by night and day, using live ammunition, and a range of supporting weapons.

At the completion of this training, you should be proficient with the range of Commando weapon systems as well as the range of Commando tactics at the section and platoon level, by day and by night, in the field operational environment.

At this point you will be qualified as a Commando Grade One. You then get to undertake further reinforcement training.

Commando Reinforcement Training

Commando reinforcement training is that training conducted to qualify Commando you as a Commando Grade Two. There are six training requirements to achieve Commando Grade Two. They are:

• Special Forces Basic Parachute Course (including water insertion training) (3 Weeks);
• Commando Amphibious Operations Course (3 Weeks);
• Commando Demolitions Course (1 Week);
• Commando Urban Operations Course (4 Weeks); and
• Special Forces Roping Course (1 Week).

One of the following basic specialty courses:

• Combat First Aider (3 Weeks); or
• Commando Signaller (3 Weeks).

These courses are discussed in more detail below:

The first course to be completed is an insertion course. You will either complete the Special Forces Basic Parachute Course or the Commando Amphibious Operations Course. Whichever course you do not attend at this stage, you will complete later.

The Special Forces Parachute Course: 3 Weeks

The Special Forces parachute course is a three week course that is designed to qualify you as a paratrooper. It consists of two components. The first component is the standard basic parachute course that trains you to conduct parachute descents onto land, by day or night, carrying combat equipment.

The second component trains and qualifies you to conduct parachute descents into water, by day or night, again carrying combat equipment, as part of a special operations amphibious activity.

This is why you are asked if you are a volunteer for parachuting. If you enjoy this course, there are advanced parachute courses that involve jumping from higher altitudes and using advanced parachutes. These are available to you later in your career as a commando.

Commando Amphibious Operations Course: 3 Weeks

The Commando amphibious operations course is designed to train and qualify Commando personnel in the tactics, techniques and procedures required for the conduct amphibious operations. As Commando amphibious operations require the individuals to operate in the ocean, sometimes over deep water, a considerable distance from the shore in small boats, and in some cases, in the surf zone, proficiency at amphibious operations is essential for all Commandos.

Therefore, this three week course focuses on developing your survivability in the amphibious environment by training you in maritime safety and the operation of all marine safety equipment. It also teaches you assault swimming techniques, which is swimming with weapons and equipment. In addition, you will be trained in amphibious insertion and extraction methods, coastal navigation, and the operation and maintenance of the F470 Zodiac, which is a small inflatable boat.

Commando amphibious operations are one of the key reasons that it is essential that you are a proficient swimmer.

Commando Basic Demolitions Course: 1 Week

One week of the Commando reinforcement training is allocated to training you in basic demolitions. This course will qualify you in the preparation, carriage, placement and initiation of demolition charges.

Commando Urban Operations Course: 4 Weeks

The Commando urban operations course is a 26 day course that is designed to train and qualify you in the employment of Commando individual weapon systems, and Commando team, section, and platoon tactics, techniques and procedures in an urban environment.

The Special Forces Roping Course: 1 Week

As a Commando you will be required to operate in a range of environments. This includes the requirement to operate in the vertical environment. This is true in both the field environment, such as cliffs, and in the urban environment including high-rise buildings. Therefore, the seven day Special Forces roping course trains you in the tactics, techniques and procedures for negotiating vertical obstacles, both ascending and descending, in the field and urban operational environments. It also trains you in the tactics, techniques and procedures for equipment haulage, and self and other person rescue.

This course can also include training in airborne roping techniques depending on the availability of rotary wing aircraft, or this can be completed separately. Therefore, if you are thinking of applying, be sure that you are not scared of heights.

Basic Specialist Course

In addition to the courses already detailed, one basic Specialist Skill is required. You will be allocated to one of these courses depending on unit needs. However, if you have a preference it will certainly be considered.

Commando Signaller Course: 3 Weeks

Communications are essential to Commando operations. Therefore, this three week Commando signaller course is designed to train you to operate secure tactical and operational radiotelephone communications equipment, integral to Special Forces,

Combat First Aid Course: 3 Weeks

The Combat First Aid Course will train you in advanced first aid. Over a three week period, the Combat first aid course teaches advanced resuscitation and casualty management skills, casualty evacuation procedures and preventive medicine principles.

Summary

This training is only the start. On the successful completion of your reinforcement training and after serving as a Commando for 12 months, you will be expected to undertake a range of further Commando specialist courses. You may also be suitable to participate in further training in counter-terrorism. This involves completing training in advanced weapon skills and close-quarter fighting techniques and tactics.

Other Ranks (Non Technical) (Reserve)

Infantry Initial Employment Training: 10 Weeks

Those of you who successfully complete recruit training and are assessed as suitable to continue with the scheme by the Special Forces Interview Board will attend the standard RAInf (ECN343) Basic Rifleman Course. This is a 10 week course and you will complete this training as a single platoon of potential candidates for service in Special Forces. During the training you will be trained and qualified in basic infantry tactics and a range of specialist infantry weapons and equipment.

Candidates who are unable to successfully complete their Infantry training will not be permitted to continue with the scheme. In this case you will be encouraged to undertake training for one of the critical support trades within the Special Forces or in the general Army. If you accept either of these options, you will be given another offer. Alternatively, you may elect to 'discharge at own request'.

If you do accept an offer to serve in a critical support trade in Special Forces or the general Army, you can apply again for Commando (ECN079) selection and training after you have completed 12 months of general Army service.

Special Forces Advanced Infantry Training Program: 8 Weeks

As a successful RAInf graduate, you will complete eight weeks of Special Forces preparation training, known as the Special Forces Advanced Infantry Training Program, conducted at the Special Forces Training Centre (SFTC), Singleton, NSW. The Special Forces Advanced Infantry Training Program is designed to prepare you for the Special Forces Entry Test and subsequent Commando reinforcement training. This accelerated training will enhance your physiological and psychological conditioning as well as provide you with some essential competencies.

The Advanced Infantry Training program provides an opportunity for you to apply the knowledge and skills developed during recruit and IET. It will provide you with further training in navigation, communications, first aid, and field-craft. It also provides additional knowledge and skills, such as instinctive weapon handling - which is the ability to engage targets without aiming. During this training we also aim to develop your tactical awareness.

The Advanced Infantry Training program also compresses the 13 week Special Forces Physical Training Package undertaken by soldiers already serving in the ADF applying for Service in Special Forces.

Put simply, we aim to provide you with more knowledge and skills, make you battle fit and mentally tougher. This training will increase your chance of success during Commando training. Most importantly, we aim to build your sense of commitment and motivation to becoming a Commando.

How will you know if you have successfully achieved the requirements of this training? Put simply, you will be tested on the Special Forces Entry Test.

Special Forces Training

Before commencing your Commando reinforcement training, you will be required to show that you are committed, motivated and capable of withstanding the severe physical and environmental stresses associated with the reinforcement training and service in a Commando unit. These will be assessed during the Special Forces Entry Test.

The Special Forces Entry Test

The Special Forces Entry Test is conducted over approximately an 11 hour period and includes a range of physical and theoretical assessments. It is designed to determine your suitability for entry into a Special Forces program. To be assessed as suitable, you are required to complete the following activities:

• Complete a fitness assessment requiring a minimum of:
  • 60 push-ups;
  • 100 sit-ups;
  • 10 heaves (chin-ups).
• Complete a 2.4 km run in patrol order (runners, personal webbing and rifle) in 11 minutes 30 seconds or less.
• With your pack, personal webbing and rifle (28kg), complete a minimum of 15 km during an endurance march within 2 hours and 20 minutes.
• Tread water for two minutes and then swim 400 metres fully clothed (in disruptive pattern camouflage uniform) in 18 minutes or less; and
• Complete a theoretical navigation test.

At the conclusion of a Special Forces Entry Test, a Special Forces Panelling Board will be convened to determine whether you have the potential for service in Special Forces and whether you are suitable to attend Commando reinforcement training. Their determination will be made on your performance at recruit training, infantry training, the Special Forces Accelerated Training Continuum and on your Special Forces Entry Test results. The Special Forces Panelling Board will identify if you are:

• suitable to commence Commando reinforcement training;
• unsuitable to commence Commando reinforcement training but may re-apply after a designated period of time in a non-Special Forces position such as a critical support trade within Special Forces or the general Army; or
• unsuitable to commence Commando reinforcement training.

If you successfully complete your Commando reinforcement training, you will be eligible to apply to attend a Special Air Service - Selection Course after you have served for a period of two years as a Commando.

Candidates who do not pass the Special Forces Entry Test and are not recommended by the Special Forces Panelling Board will be encouraged to undertake training for critical support trades within Special Forces (or within the general Army) through the provision of another offer.

Commando Reinforcement Training

Once you have successfully completed your Special Forces Entry Test and have been recommended, you will undertake the Commando selection and training regime required of any Defence person who wishes to serve in a Commando unit. You will be required to meet the current stringent performance and training standards described in the relevant assessment management package or training management packages for Commando training.
Your Commando Reinforcement Training will consist of:

• Special Forces Weapons Course (Commando);
• Commando Training Course;
• Special Forces Military Roping Course;
• Close Quarter Combat Course;
• Commando Urban Operations Course;
• Special Forces Basic Parachute Course (including water insertion training);
• Commando Amphibious Operator Course;
• Airborne Rappelling and Fast Roping course;
• Special Forces Basic Demolitions; and
• One of the following basic specialty courses:
• Combat First Aider;
• Commando Signaller; and
• Special Forces Advanced Demolitions User.

On the successful completion of your reinforcement training and after serving as a Commando for 12 months, you will be able to undertake one or more of the following Commando specialist courses:

• Direct Fire Support Weapon (DFSW) Operator;
• Mortar Operator;
• Basic Sniper;
• SF Climber;
• Combat Survival;
• Reconnaissance;
• Language; and
• Commando Operational Watercraft (COW) Coxswain.