RAAF BASE WAGGA
NO 1 RECRUIT TRAINING UNIT The role of No 1 Recruit Training Unit (1RTU) is to prepare recruits, newly enlisted Air Force men and women, for military service. Recruit training involves the transformation of civilians into airmen and airwomen who have basic military knowledge to become effective members of the Air Force team. This transformation occurs over 11 weeks of training, culminating in a graduation parade.
The Australian defence Force has a workforce composed of commissioned officers and enlisted members. Every Air Force enlisted member begins their career at 1RTU. Indeed, 1RTU is responsible for two-thirds of the Air Force’s initial training. The remainder are is conducted by Officer Training School or the Australian Defence Force Academy, who train commissioned officers. Teamwork, self-discipline, ‘esprit de corps’ and the development of respect for the values of the Air Force play a vital role in the training at 1RTU. Consequently, the instructional staff at 1RTU, which includes Military Skills Instructors (MSIs), Airfield Defence Guards (ADGs) and Physical Training Instructors (PTIs), as well as other
support staff employed at the unit, must embody all the aspects of Air Force values – Respect, Excellence, Agility, Dedication, Integrity and Teamwork. The 1RTU philosophy of training is to take the qualities already possessed by the recruits and build on them through instruction, ‘learning by doing’, coaching and mentoring. Putting in an honest effort, making and learning from mistakes, and doing better next time are essential features of the training process. Importantly, there is a strong emphasis on ‘Airmanship’, which focuses on the moral and ethical behaviour expected of all members of the Royal Australian Air Force.