20 May 2024
The 16 weeks of training infantry soldiers at the School of Infantry culminated in Exercise Hardcorps, an arduous test of mental and physical resilience.
The Royal Australian Infantry play an essential role within the combined arms fighting system.
Commanding Officer of the School of Infantry Lieutenant Colonel Jarrod Brook leads more than 200 staff in the initial employment training at Singleton Military Area in NSW.
“The change we see in these soldiers is phenomenal,” Lieutenant Colonel Brook said.
“You see them leave absolutely confident in the skills that they’ve been given and in the role they’re about to take up in Army.
“It’s a great team that I get to lead here, and I’m exceptionally proud of the way they carry themselves and contribute to the mission.”
Bien Hoa Platoon Commander at the school, Lieutenant Jake Hayward, said the extensive training program covered every aspect, from individual soldier skills to section and platoon as a whole.
“We have three big requirements people should expect: one would be being physically fit, two is being mentally resilient, and three is having that openness and willingness to learn,” he said.
Lieutenant Colonel Brook encouraged personnel interested in instructional postings to consider the School of Infantry.
“You get the opportunity to train the next generation of infantry soldiers and invest in the future of the corps,” he said.
The school also trains reconnaissance soldiers, snipers, heavy weapons specialists, in addition to supporting the Navy and Air Force.
Private Jonty Brien was enthusiastic about his training so far, and said every week was different.
“I’d say if you love the outdoors, you love shooting weapons, spending time with all your mates, having a lot of fun, doing all sorts of different stuff, [then] I think definitely infantry would be for you,” Private Brien said.
Fellow recruit Private Sinan Karaarslan concurred.
“You’re getting paid to be fit. You’re getting paid to defend your country. You make a lot of friends. You learn a lot of new things. It’s been awesome," Private Karaarslan said.
