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.