Kapooka Training Course?

Question

Hey guys, just wondering with the ''class'' style lessons at kapooka are you expected to bring your own stationary?

Or is this supplied or able to be purchased upon arrival?

Answer 1

everything you need you are given.

Answer 2

You're given stationary. When you show up in your room, there'll be a notebook, pen, pencil and stencil waiting for you in your table. However, it is inadequate - I filled up that notebook in two weeks, had to buy two more when given the opportunity and my pen dried up eventually.

There's a common misconception that the Army will give you everything you need when you bus off for recruit training - what a load of crock. Some things you should bring yourself, most of which are printed on your Joining Instruction, some of which aren't.

Among other things, bring:

- A couple of small notebooks

- A few spare pens

- Pencil sharpener - snap your issue pencil in half and sharpen both ends

- Scissors and/or a cigarette lighter - for getting rid of loose threads on your uniform

- Nail clippers - bloody useful, I wore mine around my neck

- At least one pair of boxer shorts and a t-shirt. You need to bring your own underwear, and on your first night you'll be wearing this until pajamas are issued

- Plain white socks - They're issued, but are inevitably stolen, worn out or otherwise "go missing" in the laundry. I had to wear the same pair for 4 weeks

- Chapstick and sunblock if you're going in summer

- If you smoke, bring lots of cigarettes. You're allowed to smoke at certain times, and they won't be taken off you

There's opportunities to buy necessities up at the Frontline store on top of the hill. If you show up missing anything on the joining instructions, you might be chewed out, but eventually you'll get what you need.