Recruit School Weekly Activities
Recruits join the Royal Australian Navy in monthly General Entry (GE) Intakes. These Intakes are then placed in one of four Divisions:
- Emms Division
- Rogers Division
- Shipp Division
- Taylor Division
In 2013, Shipp Division replaced Rankin Division, Taylor Division replaced Waller Division, Emms Division replaced Getting Division and Rogers Division replaced Moran Division.
A Division is a collection of personnel placed together for the purpose of administration and training, commanded by a Divisional Officer in Charge. Within each Division, recruits are placed into classes of no more than 25 Recruits, under the day to day direction and instruction of a qualified Recruit School Instructor.
Recruits undertake a significant number of training modules and participate in a wide variety of activities throughout the 9 Week Recruit training course.
Imagery of weekly activities can be found on the HMAS Cerberus Facebook page.
A brief outline of the 9 week training course (which is generic to all Recruit Intakes) is shown below for information.
Course content
The 9 week course is best described in three phases. Phase 1 covers Weeks 1 to 3 (internal at Recruit School), Phase 2 covers Weeks 4 to 7 (external to Recruit School) and Phase 3 covers Weeks 8 and 9 (internal at Recruit School). A brief outline of a course schedule is provided below. Recruits participate in Character Formation and Mess Relationship instruction which is conducted by the Recruit School Chaplain. These two modules are very important as all members of the Navy team need to understand the importance of maintaining good order and discipline, whille living and working in close quarters. For many Recruits it is their first experience of living in a communal environment and it is pleasing to note that most adapt very quickly.
Phase 1 - Week 1
In Weeks 1 to 4 Recruits are embarked on a steep learning curve as they adjust to their new environment and routines. This phase begins on day one with enlistment and travel to HMAS Cerberus, when they arrive at Recruit School a little apprehensive, but ready for the challenges ahead. The first full day at Recruit School can be a shock for many as the day commences at 5:00am with being introduced to their Instructors and Divisional staff and it is non stop from there. As Week 1 progresses, Recruits undertake a wide variety of indoctrination activities and briefings. Examples of the items covered in Week 1 include briefings on Work Health and Safety, Fire Safety, Navy Values, Ethos and Environmental Awareness, Living in Communal Harmony, Pay and Entitlements, Equity and Diversity, Psychological Support Services, Study Skills and Lifestyle. Some important activities undertaken in week one include, swim testing, uniform sizing, haircuts and marching practice just to name a few. Recruits change from wearing civilian clothing to the RAN issue track suit top and pants, and then by the end of the week they commence wearing DPNU (the RAN's working uniform).
It is normal for some Recruits to experience homesickness in the initial stages of their training. Recruit School staff are well informed on how to support and assist Recruits in this regard.Parents, relatives and friends can be of significant assistance in this area with words of support and encouragement.
Phase 1 - Week 2
In Week 2 Recruits continue theory classes where they learn more basic information about life in the Navy. Some examples include modules on Navy Organisation, Culture, Ethos, Traditions, Ceremonies and Illegal Drug Awareness. Physical Training (referred to as PT) also forms a regular part of the training program which is aimed at improving fitness, teamwork and confidence. During the week Recruits continue to practice and improve their marching technique as well as their general transition into the military life. Week 2 also includes their first major challenges - 'Shakedown' and the RAN physical fitness test.
'Shakedown' is a Navy reference to a series of basic evolutions that an Australian Warship will undertake after a prolonged maintenance period. It is aimed at putting a ship's crew through a series of routine situations that could occur while at sea. At Recruit School, 'Shakedown' is designed to give the Recruits their first physical challenge.
'Shakedown' is a full day activity that requires Recruits to complete a series of predominantly physical activities to instil teamwork, leadership, communication and initiative. The primary emphasis is on teamwork and Recruits quickly learn that the most effective way to succeed is to work together and support each other through the various evolutions. Activities undertaken throughout the day include a series of team building exercises, an arduous forced march, swimming pool based water exercise, sandpit exercise and a cross country running activity. Recruits work in teams with their classmates and points are awarded to each class based on their overall performance. These points, together with points awarded throughout the remainder of their Recruit training, go towards the award of a Divisional Shield which is presented to the winning class by the Commanding Officer Recruit School, in the final week of the training program.
Phase 1 - Week 3
The issue of uniforms presents a variety of new challenges for Recruits, particularly in the areas of 'kit' (uniform) maintenance, which is expected to be of the highest standard. Much time is spent washing, ironing, folding and naming kit items, which Recruits then stow (put away neatly) in their lockers. They are also introduced to 'Locker Inspections' during Week three, the aim of which is to ensure that 'kit' items are correctly laundered, ironed, folded and stowed as outline in the Recruit Kit Maintenance Manual.
An important lesson for the Recruits is the military method of presenting their kit for inspection. Service kit inspections are generally performed at random in order to confirm and ensure a sailor has a full set of uniforms and that they have been maintaining it to a good state of repair. Service kit inspections are also issued as a means of Corrective Training to assist a sailor in perfecting the fundamental skills required to maintain his or her uniform and importantly, wear it with pride.
The training tempo remains high throughout the period and modules typically undertaken in Week 3 include, Goal Setting and Motivation, Alcohol Awareness and Education, Character Formation - Conflict, Competency Management, ADF Security, Inoculations and Class Photographs are taken.
Week 3 also sees the continuation of paperwork for Passport and Security Clearance Applications. It is extremely important that this paperwork is submitted by the completion of Week 4 as it can affect future training, including Initial Category Course. The assistance of family to expedite the process and forward relevant documents is always greatly appreciated.
A challenging aspect of Week 3 includes completion of the HMAS Cerberus Higher Ropes Course. This is an exciting half day activity that is designed to encourage the further development of teamwork, trust, communication and compliance to safety instructions. Working 10 metres above the ground, Recruits negotiate numerous challenges incorporated in the course, under the strict control and direction of qualified High Ropes Course Instructors. While it takes most out of their comfort zone, Recruits generally find the experience exhilarating and gain a great sense of achievement and self confidence out of the day. Once again, Recruits need to work together and support each other in order to achieve their goals. Can you see a familiar theme building here?
Phase 1 - Week 4
Week 4 maintains the high training tempo with outcomes designed to achieve steady improvement in teamwork and increased understanding of Recruit School routines, culture and ethos.
The next milestone event is also conducted , the Unit Readiness Evaluation (URE), this is the second phase of the Recruits' training and is conducted at the start of Week 4. The URE tests the core skills that Recruits have been taught throughout their training to date, namely teamwork, time management, communal harmony, leadership and communication.
At sea the purpose of the URE is to achieve the appropriate level of readiness prior to Operational Deployment. In order to pass URE the ship must first demonstrate that it is capable of fighting in the warfare environment and able to control any subsequent damage control incidents. Once all these competences have been completed the ship will then be evaluated during a 48 hour 'Warfare Scenario' where all competencies will be formally assessed to the limit.
Activities conducted during the Recruit School URE include an endurance circuit, a survival activity in the pool, and a sandpit team building exercise. The URE brings together the skills that Recruits have learnt in their first 4 weeks.
The following day after URE of Week 4 is Executive Officer's (XO) Rounds. This is the first of three major inspections conducted by the Recruit School Command Team. For these rounds the Recruit School XO inspects the cleanliness of the accommodation block ablutions, block foyer, cabins, bunks and the state of each Recruit's locker. Recruits are required to put many hours of hard work and effort into ensuring all these areas are of the highest standard. Further, this is an important milestone in their training as it marks their transition from the Junior Class at Recruit School to the Intermediate Class.
Phase 2 - Weeks 4-7
The Division is now at the intermediate stage of training. More responsibility is placed upon the Recruits and there is an expectation that they will set a good example for the incoming Recruits of the Junior Division.
The standards of performance and conduct are gradually raised and maintained in Phase Two. This increase in standards occurs progressively, but even at this stage of the induction training there is a noticeable difference in the Recruits. From this point of training the more important components commence.
Weeks 4-7 is the commencement of their outside instruction, this includes:
Two days of basic First Aid training. This is an important part of the Recruit training as all sailors and officers in the RAN must be capable of administering basic first aid during emergencies situations.
The Recruits will undergo two days of Survival at Sea training and receive important instruction on various survival techniques. On completion of this module of training the Recruits will have the knowledge and skills necessary to operate life saving equipment and an understanding of the procedures in place on RAN ships. The instruction includes lessons on the proper use of personal protection equipment including lifejackets and thermal protection suits. As part of the first day's instruction Recruits undertake a theory exam which they must pass, before they are permitted to undertake the practical session on day two. The practical phase sees Recruits undertake a variety of exercises which include donning a thermal protection suit, execute a safe water entry, launch a life raft, and practice survival at sea techniques.
Survival at Sea is followed by two days of Corrosion Control at the Seamanship Faculty. Because of the unique working environment, all sailors require training in how to preserve the assets of the RAN and maintain them in good working order. Safety, as in all components of training, is paramount. The Recruits are taught how to properly use maintenance equipment and personal protective equipment.
Weapons training commences with a comprehensive safety brief being the first order of the day. Recruits are taught over an eight day period (spread over two to three weeks), how to safely operate the F88 Austeyr rifle in the training and operational environment. Recruits have to demonstrate that they understand the safe operation, working parts and weapon firing drills. After passing a practical assessment with the F88 Austeyr rifle, recruits will move on to the next stage of training. During this stage the recruits will conduct a qualifying live firing practise at Williams Rifle range HMAS Cerberus. In this practice the recruits will fire 10 live rounds at a designated target. For the majority of Recruits this training is their first experience of weapon handling but by the end of their training on the F88, Recruits are familiar and confident. Weapon training is safety focused and the instruction is given by highly qualified Recruit School staff. On completion of the qualification shoot recruits will be taught basic marksmanship skills and then zero a rifle utilising the Weapons Training Simulator System (WTSS) located at HMAS Cerberus. The WTSS is a computerised simulation of the F88 Austeyr rifle. Once these skills have been mastered at the WTSS recruits will zero a rifle on a live firing range. At this stage Recruits are taught how to fire from various positions, eg. while lying on the ground. Once this is mastered they undertake further practice at the Weapons Training Simulator System prior to conducting final live fire drills and assessments at the Rifle Range.
Phase 3 - Week 8
In Week 8 is 'Day 50' for the Recruits. Day 50 presents the opportunity for Recruits to elect to discharge from the Navy if they choose to do so. It is every Recruit's right to exercise this option with no questions asked; some simply decide that it is not the career they wish to pursue. Historically very few Recruits exercise their right to take the Day 50 optional discharge; most go on to enjoy rewarding careers in the RAN.
Monday of week 8 commences with the Recruits conducting their final RAN Physical Fitness Test for their time in Recruit School.
Week 8 also sees Recruits further consolidate their drill and marching techniques in preparation for their final drill exam.
Thursday of Week 8 is when Recruits will conduct their Mission Readiness Evaluation (MRE) this is one of the final hurdles for the Recruits. The MRE tests the core skills that Recruits have been taught throughout their training, namely teamwork, time management, communal harmony, leadership and communication.
At sea the purpose of the MRE is to achieve the appropriate level of readiness prior to Operational Deployment. In order to pass MRE the ship must first demonstrate that it is capable of fighting in the warfare environment and able to control any subsequent damage control incidents. Once all these competences have been completed the ship will then be evaluated during a 48 hour 'Warfare Scenario' where all competencies will be formally assessed to the limit.
Activities conducted during the Recruit School MRE include; a tent build, aquatic endurance circuit, a scenario based circuit within the sand pit, team orienteering and a forced march. Points are awarded for each activity based on teamwork and the team's ability to successfully complete the tasks. The day culminates with a 5.5km run as classes go through their paces at the infamous HMAS Cerberus Mud Run.
The MRE brings together the skills that Recruits have learnt over the past 8 weeks and points are awarded for each activity on an aggregated basis, to determine which class is awarded the 'Class of the Intake'.
The second day in MRE is dedicated to formal Commanding Officer's rounds. To prepare for this, the Recruits must clean and tidy their accommodation block and cabins to an immaculate standard. Recruits are required to wear their ceremonial uniform for the occasion.
Phase 3 - Week 9 - Graduation
In the final week at Recruit School the main focus is on one goal: the Graduation Parade, which takes place on Friday of Week 9. To achieve this, armed drill and specific marching drills are taught throughout the week to ensure Recruits are well prepared for the events on Graduation Day.
In the evenings throughout Week 9, Recruits concentrate on uniform maintenance and boot polishing to ensure they are immaculately turned out on the day. Dress and bearing must be of the highest order.
On Graduation Day, six awards are presented, namely Recruit of the Intake, Academic Recruit of the Intake, Top Shot of the Intake, Leadership Potential Award, Sportsperson of the Intake, and the Warrant Officer of the Navy Excellence Award. These awards recognise the unique skill and attitudes displayed by the recipients.
The Graduation Parade is the highlight of the 9 week training program and formally recognises all the hard work and effort put in by Recruits and staff over their 9 week journey. Through hard work and application, graduating Recruits have proven they are worthy to progress to the next phase of their training, and family and friends often marvel at the changes their loves have made in such a short time. Graduation day is very special for all those involved, and family and friends travel from far and wide to be part of this very important occasion.
On graduation Recruits are formally recognised as 'Sailors' in the RAN and they are promoted to the rank of Seaman (star), prior to commencing their category specific training.
For graduation DVDs and Division photographs please contact Kenneth Baird DVD Productions on 03 5981 1753.
