Air Force Basic Training (1RTU Wagga) | Field Life, Discipline and Living with 50 Recruits

Basic training at 1RTU Wagga is not just early wake ups and marching in formation. It is structure, pressure and learning to work with people from every background imaginable. If you are preparing to join the Air Force, this will give you a clear picture of what to actually expect and how to prepare properly.

This tactical career chat is based on the experience of Shishir, a former Harvey Norman franchisee who left retail, chased a Defence career and marched into 1RTU as a Cyber Analyst. He trained with us at Outperform for six months leading up to enlistment, and his insights will help you hit the ground running.

From Retail to the RAAF

Before the Air Force, Shishir spent years managing stores around Australia. He had always wanted to serve, but had to wait for citizenship before he could apply. On New Year’s Day, he made a decision. New career, new direction. He submitted his application and committed to the process.

He had a cyber degree which helped his job role, but he openly admitted that his fitness was not where it needed to be. Long hours at a desk, plenty of stress and very little structured training meant he had to start from scratch. After trying a few gyms with no real direction, he joined Outperform for specific ADF preparation.

Living With 50 Strangers

One of his biggest shocks at 1RTU had nothing to do with marching or PT. It was living with more than 50 recruits under one roof.

If you come from a quiet household or only live with a partner, expect this transition to hit hard. There is no personal space. Bathrooms are shared. You will hear snoring, coughing, alarms, zippers, velcro and conversations at all hours.

The good news is the group dynamic builds fast. You do not need to be best friends, but you need to operate as a team. Everyone is tired. Everyone is learning. Everyone gets corrected. What makes it easier is knowing you are not going through it alone.

The Real First Wake Up Call

Most people walk into 1RTU expecting the first day to be an orientation. It is not.

Shishir landed after a full day of travel. Staff told them they would be woken at 0730. Instead, the PA system blasted at 0500 and the day was on. No easing in. No gentle start. Straight into uniform checks, admin, cleaning and controlled chaos.

From that moment, the pace does not slow. Every minute is accounted for. Eating, shaving, ironing, lessons, inspections and PT. There is no time to sit and relax. You keep moving.

This is why it is so important to show up with a base level of fitness and mental readiness. Basic training is not designed to make you fit. It is designed to test the fitness you already built.

Discipline Hits You Hard

Many recruits think discipline just means standing still and saying yes sir. The reality is different.

You do not decide when to eat, rest or switch off. Uniforms must be perfect. Rooms must be spotless. You get inspected constantly, and the standard is higher than most expect. If your bed corners are one centimetre off or your shirt has a tiny crease, you fix it and do it again.

This is where simple life skills matter. Before you arrive, learn to:

• iron shirts quickly and neatly

• fold hospital corners on a bed

• sew a button

• polish boots properly

• keep your space tidy every day

These tasks will save you hours of stress when the pressure ramps up.

PT at 1RTU: What To Actually Expect

Shishir noticed that PT was not the hardest part physically. It was the pace. Shuttle runs. Circuits. Battle PT sessions. Running on tired legs. You do not train fresh at 1RTU. Fatigue is part of the environment.

If your fitness is barely at the entry standard, the constant movement will wear you down fast. You should be able to:

• run comfortably at different paces

• recover quickly between efforts

• complete bodyweight circuits without stopping

• handle long days on your feet

These are basic survival skills for training, not optional extras.

If you are getting ready to tackle your PFA to move to the next stage of enlistment, read this:
How to Peak for Your PFA in 3 Days
https://www.outperformfitness.com.au/blogs/b/peak-for-pfa

Field Phase: The Hardest Part

This is the part that shocks most recruits. It is not camping. It is not fun. It is cold, dirty and uncomfortable.

Shishir said field phase was easily the hardest part of basic training. There is no privacy. No showers. Barely any sleep. You eat cold rations. You work from before sunrise until late at night.

One morning, they woke up to ice on their hoochies. Another day was spent digging and hauling gear nonstop. You stay soaked in sweat, dirt and mud. Everything is harder when you are cold, tired and sore, but you still have to perform.

If you want to feel strong during field, you need a better engine. This simple method will help you build it:
The Best Running Hack You Have Never Heard Of
https://www.outperformfitness.com.au/blogs/b/best-running-hack

Why Good Prep Makes a Huge Difference

Because Shishir trained for basics with Outperform, he already understood pacing, RPE and how to manage fatigue. When others burnt out during circuits or overpaced early, he stayed controlled. When lower body pain started creeping in, he checked in early and we fixed the issue before field phase. That meant he could finish strong rather than break down halfway.

Arriving prepared changes your entire experience. Instead of surviving each day, you manage it with confidence.

Final Thoughts

Basic training is meant to test you physically, mentally and socially. The early weeks will feel like pressure from every direction. You will be tired, overwhelmed and out of your comfort zone. But that is the purpose. You are being shaped into someone who can operate under stress and follow structure while working in a tight team.

If you push through the first few weeks, stay adaptable and lean on your section, you will come out more capable than you thought possible.

Ready To Prepare For 1RTU Properly

Do not leave your preparation to chance. The Fit For Service plan is built specifically for ADF applicants who want to hit basic training with confidence. You will run, lift and recover like a future soldier, sailor or airman, not a weekend gym goer.

👉 Join the Fit For Service Program now
https://info.outperformfitness.com.au/getbattleready

🎥Watch the full podcast here