I WISH I TOOK THAT TO KAPOOKA

It's one of the most common questions we see from ADF applicants... 'is there anything that isn't on the list that I should take with me to Kapooka'? As part of the information you receive, for your enlistment into the ADF, there will be a packing list. Whilst this packing list has everything you need to get through your time at Kapooka, there could still be additional items that will make life easier. 

In consultation with recently graduated soldiers, we have put together a list of things that people WISH they took to Kapooka but didn’t. This will help you decide how to prioritise any space you have left over in your bag.

Your official packing list is the primary document and this list is purely just some suggested items that you can take if you wish. You are not obliged to purchase any of these if you don’t want to.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

LENGTH OF TRAINING
Expect to be at Kapooka for 80 days.

The shop on base is called Frontline and there is also a post office, both of which you can only access on Sundays. Both places stock some items that you require however they are generally more expensive than a supermarket. If this is a concern for you then plan ahead and pack those additional items.  Your local leave won’t occur before week 4. Ensure you have enough personal items to last you as long as possible.

Army Reservists at Kapooka generally don't get local leave. Although this may change from course to course it's best to prepare as though you won't be able to leave base for the entire duration.

QUANTITY OF CLOTHING
When it comes to undies, it has been recommended by recent Kapooka graduates to bring around 10 pairs as they often get lost. For the females it is best to bring plain black briefs ('Bonds' come highly recommended but anything that is breathable!). G-strings will cause chaff on your bum cheeks during pack marches and other activities. However, it's fine to wear them on local leave. Put your initials on the tags to avoid confusion with your roommates.

Trainees will wear a suit or similar when visiting Canberra. Your outfit on Enlistment Day is generally suitable. Females have the choice between skirt or slacks just ensure your skirt is below knee length.

Bring additional clothing to wear on local leave days, travel days and at IETs. You will travel from Kapooka straight to IETs and you'll want to have plenty of civi clothing there with you. When you knock off for the day you are no longer required to be in uniform. Ensure you think ahead to the time of year and your IET location. Southern states are significantly colder than northern states and the winter lasts a lot longer.

Army Reservists will only require clothing for local leave and travel home. As a guide, for reservists, 2-3 sets of civilian clothing will suffice.

Ask your family to bring extra clothing to your march out parade if you don’t have enough room in your bag.

ADDITIONAL SUGGESTED ITEMS

• Portable phone charger
• Headphones (talk on the phone and check emails/social media at the same time).
• Permanent marker/nikko pen
• Black biros (you won't be allowed to use blue)
• Small note pads (they will be issued but you go through them fast)
• Bun nets (they break easily and you need a lot of them. Ensure they match your hair colour)
• Baby wipes (especially to keep clean out field and to remove camo cream)
• Cotton tips and shaving brush for cleaning weapons
• Travel size shampoo and conditioner.
  
  All of your toiletries will be rolled up in a towel that you carry to the bathroom and you will not use a toiletry bag. If you pack enough for the first 4 weeks of training then you will be well prepared. Otherwise you will need to purchase them from frontline for a significantly higher price than usual. After the 4 week mark you will be able to purchase things from a supermarket on local leave. You will be taught how to layout these items in your cupboard and will be required to keep them in ‘inspection order’ at all times. Bring along mini sized toiletry bottles. Fitting everything into your towel is difficult and if you drop things then it can be challenging to regather whilst under pressure and trying to move fast. Having travel size toiletries will help immensely.You can bring empty mini travel bottles and normal sized toiletries and just refill as needed. Avoid glass bottles where possible to avoid breakages.
  
  
• Hand Sanitiser.
• Lighter (to burn threads off your uniform).
• Wooden Coat Hangers x 10. Wooden Pant Hangers x 3. You can have plastic however ALL coat hangers need to match. Recent Kapooka graduates recommend wooden hangers as they are sturdy.
• At least 4 weeks worth of toiletries and accessories such as deodorant, hairspray, toothpaste, bobby pins, hairnets and hair ties as you’ll go through these fast. 
• Face wash and Moisturiser that you’re familiar with to avoid skin issues. 
• Band Aids. Thicker so that they don’t fall off when wet from the rain or sweat.
• Chapstick. You will get this issued to you however you may want your own specific brand.
• Field Gear. You will get an opportunity to purchase this whilst on local leave, however the price is often higher than if you were to purchase them at home. If you do choose to purchase these prior to Kapooka then suggested items are tent pegs (black plastic or non flimsy metal), occy straps, elastic cord, head torch with a red light, lighter. These will take up room in your bag so you may choose to purchase these once you are down at Kapooka.
• Zip Lock bags
• Black backpack as carry on luggage. You can use a backpack once on IETs but it must be black.

• Active Wear for IETs. You won’t get to wear this a Kapooka but once you leave you are allowed to wear your own gear on IETs. No singlets.

We hope that this list of items helps you out when getting yourself ready for Kapooka. Please remember that you are under no obligation to buy anything that isn't on the packing list. 

If you are a recent graduate of Kapooka and feel like there is something that should be added or that this information may need to be updated, please don't hesitate to let us know! We want to make sure you guys are provided with the best, most accurate info so please email us on team@thebarracksgym.com.au

Enjoy your time at Kapooka and good luck!