Military Training
Other Ranks (Non Technical), Qualified
Location: Crib Point, Victoria
The Recruit School at HMAS CERBERUS is situated on Western Port Bay, Victoria about 70 kilometres south east of Melbourne. The school has its own administration building, accommodation blocks and classrooms and operates as an independent unit within the greater training environment of HMAS CERBERUS.
The eleven-week Recruit Course is designed to give you sufficient knowledge and skills on which to base your Navy career. The course includes both classroom and practical activities. Most subjects are individually tested. Examinations are set to ensure Recruits are sufficiently prepared to undertake further specialist training at category schools. Private study areas are available in the school and a Duty Instructor is available for assistance during non-instructional hours.
When you are offered a General Entry job in the Navy, you will receive Joining Instructions for the Recruit Training Course. These instructions will provide you with a good indication of the daily routine while at the Recruit School and what will be expected of you during your training. This information is also available by accessing the Navy Recruit School web site.
Recruits who successfully complete the course, including the Navy Swimming Test, participate in a Graduation Parade, which is normally held on the Friday of the last week of training. Recruits will have the opportunity to invite family and friends to view the parade.
After Graduation personnel will be posted to category schools at HMAS CERBERUS or at other training establishments throughout Australia.
Sailor Early Enlistment Scheme
The Sailor Early Enlistment Scheme (SEES) is an option for some candidates to complete their initial Recruit School Training and then transfer to Rogers Division at HMAS CERBERUS for up to three months prior to commencing their required Category Training course.
If you are enlisted under the SEES and your wait between Recruit School and Category training is more than two weeks, you will have the opportunity to participate in an additional motivational training package. The motivational package will broadly include the following activities and programs:
- Life Skills;
- Team Sports;
- Expedition Training;
- Sailing;
- Tours to Sydney, Canberra and other Defence Establishments;
- Establishment Work Experience; and
- Life at Sea Experience on Major Fleet Units and Minor War Vessels.
During Military (Initial Recruit) Training and (Initial) Employment Training, members may be required to pay a contribution towards meals, accommodation and utilities, depending on a number of factors.
Other Ranks (Non Technical) (Reserve)
Reserve Entry Recruit Course (RERC)
All Reserve Entry Recruits attend the Navy Recruit School, at HMAS CERBERUS in Victoria where they undertake the Reserve Entry Recruit Course (RERC). There are two options for this training:
- Phase Training – Achieved over 2 separate residential periods of training at Recruit School, HMAS CERBERUS, ie. 1 x 19 day period and 1 x 13 day period, or
- 11 Week Method of Training – Achieved by completing the entire 11 week residential General Entry Recruit Course at Recruit School, HMAS CERBERUS.
Phase Training - If a successful candidate chooses to complete their Reserve Entry Recruit Course through the Phase training method, they will first team up with their General Entry colleagues for the initial 3 weeks of an intake and undertake lessons in basic naval knowledge, Swimming, Physical Fitness and Parade Training. At the end of the third week, i.e. 19 days after enlistment, Reserve Entry Recruits are sent home.
At a time that suits both the member and the Recruit School’s program, Reserve Entry Recruits are brought back to HMAS CERBERUS to complete the final phase of their course. This consists of a further 13 days of residential instruction where First Aid, Combat Survival and Survival at Sea training is undertaken. On successful completion, Reserve Entry Recruits will graduate from the Reserve Entry Recruit Course and will then either commence employment within their chosen field or undertake further specialist training if required. Payment is authorised to be deposited into each student’s nominated Bank Accounts at the end of each residential period.
11 Week Method of Training - If a successful candidate chooses to complete their Reserve Entry Recruit Courses via the 11 Week Method of Training, they will team up with their General Entry colleagues and remain with them for the duration of the General Entry Recruit Course, i.e. 11 Weeks.
During this period, students will learn the importance of teamwork, living with other people, life on board a ship, first aid and survival at sea. Some of this training will take place in the classroom, but there's also a large practical element which includes five days at sea on a training vessel. Fitness training is also included with instructors present to keep things varied and fun. Payment will be received on a fortnightly basis via ‘direct deposit’ into each student’s nominated Bank Accounts.
