Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence - Parliamentary Secretary welcomes Army’s newest soldiers at Army Recruit Training Centre

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Defence, Darren Chester, joined the Commandant and Instructors of Army Recruit Training Centre today as the Reviewing Officer of 1st Recruit Battalion’s latest graduating soldiers.

“It is a great experience to witness the start of what is sure to be a fulfilling and enriching military career for the men and women of this graduating class,” Mr Chester said.

“The training provided at the Army Recruit Training Centre is of the highest calibre and it is reassuring to see discipline, dedication and professionalism of the Australian Army’s newest soldiers.”

Mr Chester was joined by Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack as 82 recruits from 33 and 34 Platoon, D Company, officially marched out from the 1st Recruit Battalion after 80 days of recruit training.

Colonel Stephen Jobson, Commandant of the Army Recruit Training Centre congratulated the graduating class.

“The staff and instructors at the Army Recruit Training Centre work hard to achieve the highest training standards possible. We take pride in our work and our recruits who represent the Australian public with professionalism,” Colonel Jobson said.

“We congratulate the graduating class today on their achievements as part of the 1st Recruit Battalion and look forward to their successes.”

The Army Recruit Training Centre at Blamey Barracks, Kapooka is home to the 1st Recruit Battalion and Army Adventurous Training Wing.

All new regular Army recruits undertake 80 days of soldier training at the 1st Recruit Battalion, mastering the range of core military skills before graduating as private soldiers into various corps across the Australian Army.

Media contacts:

Robert Curtin (Darren Chester’s office) 0477 397 878

CAPT Craig McLeod (S35 HQ ARTC) (02) 6933 8495

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999