1RTU – CONTACT magazine

Phillip 'Monro' Preuss celebrates his century with his great-grandchildren and 1 Recruit Training Unit members, from left, Squadron Leader Shannon Monk, Wing Commander Jodie Mason, Sergeant Nick Harrison, Corporal Tahlia Stockley and Warrant Officer David Harding. Story and photos by Flying Officer Belinda Barker.

ADF People History Royal Australian Air Force

WW2 veteran celebrates a century

08/10/202508/10/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 660 Views 0 Comments 1RTU, RAAF Wagga Wagga, WWII

Nearly 80 years after his discharge from the Royal Australian Air Force, Phillip ‘Monro’ Preuss remains a celebrated member of

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RAAF Security and Fire School students take an ice bath after conducting firefighting training – a measure of recovery and rehabilitation introduced by the Human Performance Optimisation team. Story by Corporal Melina Young. Photos by Peter Longland.

News Royal Australian Air Force

New training concept for stronger RAAF

28/02/202403/03/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1988 Views 0 Comments 1RTU, Human Performance Optimisation (HPO)

Gone are the days of trainees hiding injuries out of fear of getting held back. CAPTION: RAAF Security and Fire School

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A Royal Australian Air Force officer trainee takes part in the field phase of the officer training course at Dutson Air Weapons Rangel, East Sale. Photo by Private Nicholas Marquis.

Royal Australian Navy

Major changes to RAAF officer training

30/04/202330/04/2023 Posted by Brian Hartigan 27780 Views 3 Comments 1RTU, Officer Training School (OTS)

As an air-raid siren rings out and a simulated grenade explodes, officer trainees open fire to defend an imitation air

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Proud recruits march onto the parade ground at 1 Recruit Training Unit at RAAF Base Wagga Wagga. Story by Squadron Leader Matt Kelly. Photo by Leading Aircraftwoman Katharine Pearson.

News Royal Australian Air Force

RAAF reduces recruit and officer initial training times

07/02/202309/02/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 7433 Views 4 Comments 1RTU, Initial Military Training (IMT), Officer Training School (OTS), RAAF Wagga Wagga

Australia’s newest aviators will receive a modernised and streamlined introduction to the Royal Australian Air Force starting this year, with

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Outgoing Commander No 1 Recruit Training Unit Wing Commander Darren Dolan (left) transfers command of the unit to Wing Commander David Borg during a Transfer of Authority parade on December 2 at RAAF Base Wagga, NSW. Story by Squadron Leader Matt Kelly. Photo by Corporal Kristy Watson.

Changing of the guard

21/12/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 1763 Views 0 Comments 1RTU, RAAF Wagga Wagga

It was the end of an era at the Number 1 Recruit Training Unit (1RTU) as Wing Commander Darren Dolan

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A family of aviators

16/12/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 1395 Views 1 Comment 1RTU, RAAF Wagga Wagga

It was three of a kind for the Rhone family as Aircraftman James Rhone graduated from initial recruit training as

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Former chief of Air Force, Air Marshal (retd) Gavin ‘Leo’ Davies, with Aircraftwoman Brooklynn Dowling after her graduation from recruit training, holding the challenge coin the former chief had given to her five years ago. Story by Squadron Leader Matthew Kelly. Photo from Cut Above Productions.

Chief and recruit bond with promises, and a coin

31/05/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 3248 Views 0 Comments 1RTU, AWM, No. 4 Squadron, PC-21, RAAF Wagga Wagga

A special reunion took place at the latest graduation ceremony at Air Force’s No. 1 Recruit Training Unit (1RTU) at

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