What to Pack for Kapooka
Why Kapooka Guide Was Created
I recently went to Kapooka or Blamey Barracks for basic military training, and I was frantically searching the web for what items I needed to pack. There was no definitive list to help me do so.
During my recruit training at Kapooka, in consultation with my peers, we created this website to help future recruits of the Australian Army.
The army does supply a list for what to pack for Kapooka Army Training (Full Time page 18 & Reserves page 31). I would recommend taking everything on that list!
Items that need more description and additional items to the list are detailed below.
Boot Camp Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Items to Pack from the Official Kapooka List
100% necessary to take to Kapooka Army Base Training.
Coat Hangers
You are required to iron and neatly hang all cams and clothing. Sturdy wooden coat hangers help keep things neat. Ensure they have a crossbar for hanging pants.
Iron
As mentioned above, you need to iron all clothing items. Ensure you have a reliable iron that heats up quickly. A good iron will be necessary for your military career.
Stamped Envelopes
You can bring your envelopes stamped and addressed already, or you can buy them from the on base post office. Each accommodation lines have a mailbox so snail mail is ideal.
Running Shoes
Most PT sessions you will wear your own shoes, you will also get to wear them during periods to relieve your feet from military boots. So get a good comfortable pair that you are familiar with.
Watch
A durable watch is a must. The Army must meet timings so getting a decent durable watch will be vital for your career. Any watch that will receive text messages will be confiscated, but I got away with my Garmin as it looked like a g-shock.
Padlocks with Key
You will need to lock your cupboards, they WILL inspect them and lord help you if you forget to lock them. You need 3 padlocks. For your cupboards (2) and your trunk (1).
It is recommended that all locks have the same key. One key will be given to staff in case you lose your key. Losing keys does happen and it’s embarrassing, so give a spare key to a roommate.
Toiletries
All of your toiletries will be rolled up in a towel that you carry to the bathroom, you cannot use a toiletry bag. So pack simple toiletries. Soap dispensers are supplied in the showers.
— Normal toothbrush and paste
— One razor for each week is recommended as they get blunt quickly with everyday shaving.
— Shaving cream
— Small shampoo & conditioner bottle (you won’t get much time to shower 2-5min max). And with the short hair, the supplied soap will be adequate.
Mobile Phone Necessities
You do not get much phone time, your phone is locked away in the staff offices. However the below items make phone time a bit easier.
Battery Pack – Your phone is locked away most of the time, therefore it’s not on charge. Having a battery pack ready for when you do get your phone will ensure there is always power to call your loved ones.
Charging Cables and Wall Adaptor – Don’t forget these!
Headphones – Phone time is done outside standing at attention only! Therefore it’s recommended to use headphones so that your hands are free.
Bobby Pins & Hairnets
For the Ladies.
You must maintain your hair in a neat bun. Bring dozens of bobby pins and several hairnets as you and your friends will often lose them.
Additional Items to Pack for Kapooka
Not on the official list, but 100% necessary to take to Kapooka Training
Waterproof Bag
I would get 2. They will be very helpful to organise your pack in the field component of Kapooka. The place is notorious for rain and you want to keep your socks and undies dry!
10 x Black Pens
You will need a black pen for everything you do. You are always in class and writing. You will forever be losing pens or they will go through the wash. Buy a bulk pack and always carry 2. Help a mate out if they forget theirs.
Other Stationary
Pocket Notebooks – You will be given some but they fill up quickly. I would recommend bringing a few spare.
Marker Pen – You need to write your name or initials on EVERYTHING. Clothes, books, equipment, everything.
Small Pencil Case – I found it easier to grab a small pencil case every time we left the lines. Much easier then putting individual items into my pockets. In my pencil case i had pens, spare paper, lip balm, etc.
Baby Wipes / Wet Wipes
You will have occasions where you need to clean something, including yourself and baby wipes are the only saviour. Especially good for removing cam cream.
A Book
Often there are times where you are sitting around waiting, or not doing much. It’s good to have a book to read and pass time. My roommates also read my book, we were often fighting over it.
Ziplock Bags
Great for organising your desk draws and keeping things dry. I used zip lock bags to store phone cables in, badges, spare stationary. Especially handy when it’s a rainy day or your field component.
Nice to have Items for Kapooka
Nice to have items for Kapooka Army Base – Not 100% Necessary
General Admin Items
– Lighter, very useful for burning threads off your clothing.
– Electrical Tape (black) is good for tidying up straps on your webbing and pack. Also good for adhoc repairs or identifying kit that you cannot mark permanently.
Field Items
– Occy Straps (x4) are very useful to pitch your hoochie up quickly, and down quickly too!
– Tent Pegs (x4) will assist in holding your hoochie down.
Laundry/Washing Mesh Bags
Laundry with 50 people and only 5 machines can make things tricky. It is very handy to have a few mesh laundry bags to keep your items separate.
Coffee Cup
Coffee is a luxury! You will get the opportunity to grab a coffee at meal times. Make it in your keep cup and enjoy it throughout the day.
Large Suitcase
You will leave Kapooka training with some more items then you arrived with. So it’s good to have extra room. You may also want to buy souvenirs including framed action photos of your training, they are kickass photos.
Best Sellers
Head Touch with Red Light
Perfect for when you need to get something at night and the lights are off. Also good for field phase, especially midnight toilet adventures.
Do not bring to Kapooka Training
Do not bring the following items to Australian Army Training.
- Medicine inc. Panadol
- Knives
- Lollies or gum
- Laptop/tablet
- Water bottles
- Singlets
Additional Info About Kapooka & Blamey Barracks
Boot Camp Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Shops at Kapooka Army Base
There is two shops at Kapooka recruit training base, Frontline (AAFCANS) & the Post Office (MILPO). Both have similar items such as food/drink/snacks, stationary, toiletries, small gifts, etc. You get limited time to access them and prices are generally more expensive than a supermarket/department store. It is advised you plan ahead and pack for the 35 or 80 days you are at Kapooka.
Don’t overpack on civilian clothing
Shortly upon arriving at Kapooka your civilian bag will be unloaded
and searched for contraband. From there any necessary items will be
emptied out into your dorm cupboards. All unnecessary gear and civilian
clothing (bar sleeping, bathroom, socks, shoes, and underwear) will be
returned to your luggage and locked away in an adjacent building. For
your duration at Kapooka, you wear military issued clothing.
If you are going to IET’s straight after Kapooka recruit training, (full-time soldiers)
you may wish to pack a few neat civilian outfits. Ask your family to
bring extra clothing to your march out parade if you don’t have enough
room in your bag.
Put your name on everything
It’s very easy to get things mixed up in the rooms, laundry, bathroom etc. put your name or initials on everything!
Enjoy your time at Kapooka Army Training and good soldiering!
Additional Reading List – https://www.army.gov.au/army-life/army-careers/army-recruit-training-centre-kapooka
Kapooka Reserve Training Schedule Information – https://www.army.gov.au/our-life/training/soldier-training/part-time-soldier-training
Kapooka Full Time Training Schedule – https://www.army.gov.au/our-life/training/soldier-training/full-time-soldier-training
Kapooka Training Experience
Kapooka the Australian Army Recruit Training Centre, is where civilians transform into soldiers through rigorous training. The typical day starts at 6:00 am, with recruits waking early to clean barracks and prepare for the day. Physical training (PT) follows, involving exercises like running and push-ups to build strength and endurance.
After PT, recruits attend lectures on army values, first aid, and military tactics. Drill practice is a key part of training, with recruits learning to march and move in formation, fostering discipline and teamwork. Recruits also undergo weapons training, learning to handle, clean, and fire their rifles. They spend time on the range and in simulated combat exercises, developing crucial skills for army life.
Throughout the course, recruits are guided by experienced platoon staff, who mentor and push them to meet the army’s high standards.
The final phase, “March Out Week,” focuses on perfecting drill for the March Out Parade. This formal ceremony, performed in front of family and friends, marks the successful completion of training.
Kapooka training is intense, running from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, but by the end, recruits leave as disciplined soldiers ready for their next step in the army.
Boot Camp Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Best Selling Items for Army Training
Here is the most ordered items for Military Training at Kapooka.
Head Touch with Red Light
Perfect for when you need to get something at night and the lights are off. Also good for field phase, especially midnight toilet adventures.
Elastic Straps
Contact us
If you have been to Kapooka and feel like there is something that we should have added or any of the above information needs correcting, please let us know! We want to make sure everyone is well prepared for their adventure.