Publication:Sea Talk Winter 2008/Recruit School - the place to be
By WO Mark Monaghan
Command Warrant Officer–Recruit School
The graduation of GE 254 Moran Division, on April 24, reviewed by RADM Peter Jones, highlighted the important work that is being carried out at the RAN Recruit School.
The members of GE 254 joined the Navy in February 2008 from all parts of Australia and their reasons for joining the Navy are no different from those that have motivated all of us to join and continue to remain as serving members. Questions on their motivation to join elicit responses ranging from the opportunity to travel to looking for a secure employment future to maintain a family tradition of service in the Navy etc.
These keen volunteers worked hard to achieve a successful outcome on their initial journey through to becoming effective sailors within our Navy. Their diversity of age and background does not hinder their progress but enhances their individual chance of success through active cooperation, peer support and mutual understanding. Their progress is a demonstration and true reflection of our society and is impressive to witness. Those who join show the same determination and commitment to be part of our organisation as we did when we enlisted and their transition from that of civilian to a highly motivated, balanced and disciplined seaman star is a credit to them and the Recruit School staff who have guided them through their 11-week transition.
Service at Recruit School is entirely voluntary for those officers and sailors selected to be either an instructor, divisional or support staff. That service commits them to being the best role models possible for our future sailors. They are, arguably, one of the most influential groups within the Navy and they must demonstrate the Navy’s core values at all times. All potential new staff members are subject to a selection process before being employed at the school and are posted by DSCM to fill vacant or future vacant positions. On joining the school they undertake a recruit instructor and if required an instructional technique course.
Most positions at Recruit School also attract the recruit instructor allowance of $10,000.00 payable on completion of the initial 12 months and paid pro rata for further service.
A posting to the school is one of the most personally rewarding in the Navy. Members who serve or have served at the school describe the experience as one of the highlights of their career.
So if you are up to the challenge and want to be part of the Recruit School team you should complete an EPAR and forward it to your career manager/submitted via PMKeyS self service, talk to your local career management cell, and visit the Recruit School intranet site at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/navyweb/Sites/RecruitSchool/
Interested personnel can also contact LCDR Sue Cunningham (officers) or me (sailors) - sue.cunningham@defence.gov.au or mark.monaghan@defence.gov.au or by ’phoning 03 5950 7211.
