Location of training: Australian Defence Force Academy

Duration of training: 156 Weeks

Your initial training is conducted at the Australian Defence Force Academy, Canberra, ACT. As an Engineering Undergraduate, you will initially spend three years at the Academy completing academic and military requirements. On graduation you will attend the Royal Military College, Duntroon, and complete 12-months military training.

Location of training: Royal Military College

Duration of training: 12 Months

RMC training is made up of three terms each of approximately 6 months duration. Cadets in their first term are referred to as "Third Class", second term cadets as "Second Class" and third term cadets as "First Class". ADFA Cadets commence RMC in Second Class. Cadets are organised as a Battalion known as the Corps of Staff Cadets.

This is how your military training at RMC will unfold:

Second Class: By the end of Second Class you will have grasped command and leadership skills at section and platoon levels. You will have received further instruction in battle tactics, military history, administration, training, science and technology and communication skills. You will also have the opportunity to apply this knowledge and experience in the field and practise at section command level, expanding to platoon level towards the end of Second Class.

First Class: Now cadets will be ready to take their knowledge into the field and put into practice their tactics and leadership skills at section, platoon and company level. Strategic studies, management training, military history and leadership are also further developed.

You will graduate from RMC as a Lieutenant and return to the Defence Academy to complete your final year of Engineering.

During Military (ADFA and RMC) Training and (Initial) Employment Training (Regimental Officers Basic Course etc), members may be required to pay a contribution towards meals, accommodation and utilities.

Specialist Service Officer First Appointment Course

The Specialist Service Officer First Appointment Course (SSO FAC) aims to prepare specialist officers (both ARA and ARes) to perform their specialist role within the Army. The course currently consists of two modules: Foundation Skills and Basic Officer Skills. All SSOs are required to complete the Foundation Skills Module (total of two weeks) in order to graduate. DOCM-A will panel SSOs on the Basic Module based on individual Corps and posting requirements.

Foundation Skills Module

The aim of the Foundation Skills Module is to introduce SSOs to service life and individual foundation skills. The module is two weeks in duration and trainees are instructed in weapon handling, personal routine in the field, first aid, service communications equipment, drill, and military customs and ethics.

For ARes members, the Foundation Skills Module may also be delivered by agents external to Royal Military College (RMC-D), but within the RMC-A formation (ie: University Regiments).

Basic Officer Skills Module

The aim of the Basic Officer Skills Module is to provide SSOs with the essential command, leadership and management skills required of an officer. The module is approximately four weeks (26 days) in duration and is conducted in barracks at RMC-D. Trainees are instructed in command, leadership and management theory, service discipline law, communications, the Defence organisation, personnel administration, risk management, customs and traditions, and basic operations.

One of the underpinning themes of this module is the development of the trainee's officer qualities. In order to best identify with the officer environment, the trainee needs to spend time living in the environment. Consequently, this module has been designed for delivery by RMC-D at Duntroon. It is not suitable for delivery at external locations.

Assessment

Assessment of SSOs is conducted by practical and theory examinations plus observation reports. Some assessments are deemed critical and as such are barriers to progress to further training. A trainee must be competent in the critical assessments and have no more than one Not Yet Competent (NYC) recorded for the remaining assessments IOT progress to the next module of training. A Record of Attainment (ROA) is issued for each module of the course.

Physical Fitness Levels

Physical fitness is an important part of SSO training. Trainees are to complete an Initial Fitness Assessment (IFA) on arrival at RMC-D. The purpose of the IFA is to confirm that the trainee is capable of undertaking field and related training during the course. Trainees failing this assessment will be required to undergo an immediate medical examination to determine if they should proceed in training.

Trainees undertaking the Basic Module are required to pass a Progressive Basic Fitness Assessment (BFA). Trainees failing this assessment will be recorded Not Yet Competent (NYC) on their Record Of Attainment and are required to pass a standard BFA in their posted unit within six months.

ARA and ARes Attendance

ARA SSOs will be required to attend the Foundation and Basic Modules as one block of training. ARes SSOs must complete the Foundation Module, and may later attend the Basic Module if required.

Currently the SSO FAC is scheduled to commence in April and September each year.

During RMC (Military Training) members may be required to pay a contribution towards meals, accommodation and utilities.

Specialist Service Officer First Appointment Course

During your first posting you will be required to complete the Specialist Service Officer First Appointment Course (SSO FAC) either within your local region or at the
Royal Military College, Duntroon. The SSO FAC aims to prepare Specialist Service Officers to perform their specialist role within the Army Reserve.

This course serves as an introduction to the Army providing a fundamental knowledge of leadership, command and control, unit and personnel administration, basic military skills and the ideals of officer behaviour and attitudes necessary for future employment.

Currently the SSO FAC is scheduled as a two week course for selected ARes SSOs.