1st Recruit Training Battalion - Kapooka - Australian Army

05/11/2026

Last weekend, we celebrated the 75th anniversary of the 1st Recruit Training Battalion with the Wagga community.

For three quarters of a century, the Battalion has been training generations of Australian soldiers, and we thank everyone who has supported us along the way. Your connection to the Battalion is an important part of our history.

A special congratulations to the recruits of 44 Platoon, Echo Company, who celebrated the completion of their recruit training with their March-Out parade.

To everyone who joined us to celebrate, shared in the memories and helped make the weekend special, thank you.

29/10/2026

Final rehearsals for our birthday today 🎶🎂

We're ready, the band is ready, and the countdown is on! Our birthday celebrations officially commence at 6pm today with the Echo Coy March-Out Parade.

We'll have music, food, and historic displays.

Book here to join our celebrations: https://www.trybooking.com/au/event/1662244

🚪Gates open from 4pm today
📕 All guests must register to attend using the TryBooking link
🪪 Guests over 18 must bring ID
🚗 Parking will be outside the security gate, and guests will be transported to the Parade Ground by bus
⌚Please ensure you arrive prior to 5.30pm at the latest.

28/10/2026

Kapooka through the decades: 1960s-1970s

What's your favourite memory of training at Kapooka?

26/10/2026

Kapooka through the decades: 1950s-1960s

The journey to become an Australian Army soldier starts at Kapooka. Here's a look back into life at Kapooka in the early years as we approach our 75th anniversary this Friday 30 October.

26/10/2026

1RTB PTI, SGT Brenden Bettess, is getting uncomfortable in the name of a good cause.

Brenden is running 50km a day for ten days as part of Nedd's Uncomfortable Challenge.

Every dollar he raises goes to We are Mobilise, who help people into housing.

If you'd like to support Brenden, visit his page below 👇🏼

I'm doing Nedd's Uncomfortable Challenge: taking on something that makes me uncomfortable, because 122,000 Australians sleep rough every night. Every $36 you chip in covers one night off the street. Rough night's sleep? Tell it to those sleeping rough. Back me here:

19/10/2026

The final test 🪏

During Exercise Gabuga Run, recruits put their combat skills to the test, establishing defensive positions, communicating tactically and working together under pressure.

It’s the final test of their foundational soldiering skills.

Soldiering starts at Kapooka, and combat skills are built and reinforced during every activity.

📷 Photo: Recruits from 22 Pl C Coy

12/10/2026

Register now to join us for our 75th birthday celebration 🎉👇🏼

Defence members, recruits, veterans, families, and members of our community are welcome.

📅 Gates open from 4pm. Parking will be outside the security gate, and guests will be transported by bus. Last bus leaves the gate at 5.45pm.

🎺 March Out Parade, historic displays, food, fun and Australian Army Band Kapooka

📍 Blamey Barracks Kapooka NSW

📕 Registration: Bookings must be made through trybooking. All guests are to be registered, and anyone over 18 must have a valid ID.

Register attendance to 1st Recruit Training Battalion 75th Birthday Parade and ECOH Company March Out on 30 OCT 26.