Joining Instructions

At all times, you must be mindful you are representing an organisation with a distinguished record of service to the Nation. The requirement also applies to personnel in civilian dress when their status as a member of the Air Force is known or apparent. Accordingly, your appearance, bearing and behaviour, in and out of uniform must be of the highest standard.

Upon arrival at 1RTU, it is expected you will be dressed in smart casual clothing (comfortable shoes are recommended). Active wear, shorts, singlets, runners and jeans do not create a good impression, and are not to be worn. Your first day of a new career should create a favourable impression.

Extremes in hair colour and style will not be permitted. Male and female hair colour must be conservative and as close to your natural hair colour as possible before your enlistment date.

Females may have their hair cut in the first week of training at own expense. Hair below collar length is required to be worn in a bun with a hair net, or braided in a single braid. Hairpins, elastic and nets must be the same colour as your hair. ‘Scrunchies’ are permitted when in certain uniforms and must be dark blue or black, and course staff will assist recruits with the correct wearing of hair.

Males will be required to get a haircut in the first week of training at own expense (approximately $20). Hair is to be a uniform natural colour.

You will be required to conform to Air Force standards of dress and grooming:

• Shaving. Male recruits are authorised to commence training with a beard or to start growing a beard at 1RTU. Uneven or untidy facial hair is not permitted. 1RTU staff will monitor all aspects of male recruits’ facial hair to ensure they maintain a professional, clean and presentable appearance at all times.
• Cosmetics and jewellery. Females are not permitted to wear makeup during the conduct of recruit training, with the exception of official course photographs and graduation. While in uniform, females may wear ear rings and rings, however ear rings must:

  • Only be gold, silver, clear stone or pearl studs (one in the lower hole of each ear lobe), or plain sleepers, either gold or silver colour.

  • Studs are to be either circular of 4 mm or less in diameter, or square, no more than 4mm from corner to opposite corner. •

  • Sleepers are to be round and no larger than 10 mm diameter. To be designated a sleeper; the ring must be able to rotate fully through the hole in each ear lobe

  • Recruits are not permitted to wear any other body jewellery.

Members, when in uniform or on duty, may wear a maximum of four rings on no more than two of the eight fingers. Such rings are to be of subdued appearance and design and of moderate size. Due to the nature of recruit training, there are times where jewellery is required to be removed.

The wearing of facemasks is in accordance with NSW Health and base routine instructions. A reusable mask of plain black or dark blue colour is recommended.

Personal clothing. Dress is to be neat with collared shirts and jeans or slacks preferred. The following items are not acceptable

• Midriff tops or sheer/see through clothing,
• Clothing with offensive mottos or pictures or death symbology,
• Clothing which is in poor condition (torn or designed ripped look) or is soiled,
• Clothing that does not cover the shoulders, such as singlets, strapless tops or muscle shirts,
• Shorts/skirts above the mid-thigh, and
• Enclosed shoes are to be worn at all times when leaving your LIA.