Kapooka Army Recruit Training Centre commemorates 70th anniversary

The base has been the training camp for more than 350,000 soldiers as they learn basic weapons-handling, teamwork, presentation and combat skills, since it first started taking soldiers in 1951.

The anniversary was marked with a graduation parade for about 60 of Australia's newest soldiers, which was attended by Governor-General David Hurley, a former commander at the camp.

"You represent 70 years of training here at Kapooka," General Hurley said to the graduating recruits.

"That is 70 years of dedicated early mornings, long days, difficult conversations and looking people in the eye and telling them something they don't want to hear.

"The product we see here today on parade is the reason why we do it."

Many of the base's current buildings can be traced back to 1966 when new facilities were officially opened by then NSW governor Sir Roden Cutler during the Vietnam War.

Kapooka Commandant Colonel Jim Hammett said it was important for the training camp to reflect on its history and journey, especially as it looks ahead to the future.

"You need to know where you've come from so you can know where you're going," Colonel Hammett said.

"It is part of the Army ethos that our traditions and customs are passed down from generation to generation."

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Colonel Hammett offered his congratulations to the graduating soldiers and said they had all earned their right to march before the Governor-General.

The recruits were stone-faced and determined as they braved the heavy downpour and chilly conditions, but they couldn't help but smile once the ceremony concluded.

"It's a bit surreal at the moment but you can probably tell by my smile it feels pretty good," beamed Private Lewis Gray.

"It has been very challenging and you're constantly on the go every day but you're just learning so many new skills every day and it goes in a blur really."

This sentiment was echoed by Signaller Tanisha Jentz, who said the graduation was a proud but also bittersweet moment.

"It's pretty exciting but it's also sad we have to leave and we're not going to see the same people every day," she said.

"I've made so many friendships that I know are going to last a lifetime."

Private Gray and Signaller Jentz were both awarded the Cameron Baird VC MG for being the most outstanding soldier in their respective platoons.

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