Kapooka Army Base - 1st Recruit Training Battalion

Established in November 1951, the 1st Recruit Training Battalion at Blamey Barracks in Kapooka, New South Wales, is the cornerstone of the Australian Army's foundational training. Known as the 'Home of the Soldier,' it has been instrumental in shaping recruits into proficient soldiers. The training encompasses physical conditioning, weapons handling, combat skills, first aid, teamwork, and self-organization. In 1985, the battalion began training female recruits, and in 1993, it expanded to include reserve recruits. Recent trials of the Army Initial Foundation Training continuum aim to accelerate recruit training by 25%, ensuring soldiers are prepared for contemporary challenges.